Only a medical professional can definitively determine if a lump is cancerous through diagnostic tests. However, several characteristics can indicate a lump might be malignant and warrant immediate medical evaluation.
Key Characteristics of a Potentially Cancerous Lump
When examining a lump, pay attention to its feel, shape, mobility, and any associated changes.
- Hardness and Texture: A cancerous lump often feels hard or firm to the touch, unlike a benign lump which might feel soft or squishy. It may also have an unyielding, fixed quality.
- Shape and Edges: Malignant lumps commonly have angular, irregular, or asymmetrical edges, making them feel less defined. In contrast, benign lumps typically have smooth, regular, and well-defined borders.
- Mobility: Cancerous lumps are frequently fixed in place and do not move easily under the skin when pressed. Benign lumps, such as cysts or lipomas, are often movable.
- Size and Palpability: For a cancerous lump to be felt, especially in areas like the breast, it generally needs to be rather large and closer to the surface of the skin. Smaller or deeper lumps might not be palpable but can still be cancerous.
- Growth: Cancerous lumps tend to grow progressively over time, whereas benign lumps might remain stable or fluctuate in size.
- Pain: While many cancerous lumps are painless, some can cause discomfort, tenderness, or a dull ache. The absence of pain does not rule out cancer.
- Associated Skin Changes: Look for any changes in the skin overlying the lump. These can include:
- Redness or discolouration
- Dimpling or puckering (like an orange peel texture)
- Scaling, itching, or a rash
- Ulceration or breakdown of the skin
- Warmth or increased temperature over the lump
Comparing Benign vs. Potentially Cancerous Lumps
Understanding the common differences can help you identify concerning features.
| Characteristic | Potentially Benign Lump | Potentially Cancerous Lump |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Soft, squishy, rubbery, or movable | Hard, firm, fixed, unyielding |
| Edges | Smooth, regular, well-defined | Irregular, angular, asymmetrical, indistinct borders |
| Mobility | Often movable and slides easily under the skin | Fixed to surrounding tissue, does not move easily |
| Growth | Slow growth, stable, or fluctuates | Progressive growth, may increase in size over time |
| Pain | Often tender or painful (e.g., cysts, infections) | Often painless, but can cause discomfort or tenderness |
| Skin Changes | Less common; may have redness if infected | Common: dimpling, puckering, redness, scaling, ulceration |
When to Seek Medical Attention
It is crucial to consult a doctor for any new or changing lump you discover. Do not attempt to self-diagnose. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes for cancer.
You should seek medical advice promptly if you notice:
- Any new lump or swelling.
- A lump that changes in size, shape, or texture.
- A lump that becomes painful or tender.
- Any skin changes overlying the lump (redness, dimpling, rash, ulceration).
- A lump accompanied by other unexplained symptoms such as fever, fatigue, or weight loss.
A doctor will conduct a physical examination and may recommend further diagnostic tests, such as imaging (ultrasound, mammogram, MRI, CT scan) or a biopsy, to determine the nature of the lump.
