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Aug 10, 2016 · Most people need help understanding the definition of a mass — a term used interchangeably with "tumor" — as well as some assurance that there isn't automatically a reason to panic. According to the National Cancer Institute, a mass is a lump in the body that can be caused by the abnormal growth of cells, a cyst, hormonal changes or an immune reaction.
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- Site
- Size
- Shape
- Consistency
- Pulsatility
- Compressibility and Reducibility
- Fluctuation
- Mobility
- Transillumination
Anatomical locationRelationship to surrounding structuresSize can be estimated but ideally should be measured using a tape measure or rulerSize should be stated in at least two dimensions (and three where possible)The lump should be considered in three dimensions when describing its shapeDescriptions should be made in geometrical terms where possible (e.g. spherical, oval, round etc.)This clinical feature describes a spectrum between hard and soft and can be considered under three categories: hard, firm (rubbery or spongy) orsoftIn terms of comparisons: hard is like your chin, firm is like your nose, soft is like your ear-lobeNote whether the lump is pulsatile, suggesting a vascular originTry to determine whether the pulsation originates from the lump itself or whether it is transmitted from a nearby vesselIntrinsic pulsation is indicated by a swelling that is pulsatile and expansile (e.g. an abdominal aortic aneurysm)CompressibilityReducibilityBefore attempting to compress or reduce a lump be sure to ask the patient if the area is tenderIt is often helpful to ask the patient to demonstrate reducibility themselves (particularly true of hernias)To test for fluctuation put your fingers on either side of the lump, opposite each other. Press with one finger and feel whether the lump bounces against your other fingerThis indicates a fluid- or fat-filled lumpIf the lump is thought to contain fluid, this can sometimes be confirmed by eliciting a ‘fluid thrill’Observe first whether the lump moves spontaneously, on respiration or with muscular contractionLesions that lie superficial to a muscle group should be tested for mobility with the underlying muscles both relaxed and contractedMobility can also be reduced by ‘skin tethering’, which reflects an inflammatory or neoplastic process (e.g. in breast cancer)Using a pen torch, shine a light across the lump – ideally in a dark roomA swelling containing clear fluid will glow when this test is performed, such as in:It is important to note, however, that lipomas (fat-filled lumps) will also transilluminateOct 12, 2023 · Understanding Indeterminate Lesions. Indeterminate lesions are abnormal tissue or growths found in various parts of the body that don’t clearly fit into a specific category or diagnosis. These lesions can be discovered through techniques like X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, or ultrasounds.
Dec 25, 2023 · In imaging, a homogeneous appearance indicates uniformity in texture or composition. For instance, a homogenous liver on an ultrasound appears evenly textured. Conversely, a heterogeneous appearance signifies variations in texture or density within the same organ or area. These variations can be due to a multitude of reasons including normal ...
Tumor. A tumor (neoplasm) is a solid mass of tissue that forms when abnormal cells group together. They can form most anywhere in your body, including your bones, skin, tissue, organs and glands. Many tumors are benign, which means they’re not cancer. You may or may not need treatment for them. Cancerous, or malignant, tumors require cancer ...
Mar 31, 2022 · However, unlike the cells in benign tumors, cancerous cells can invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body. While it’s unclear why benign tumors develop, potential causes have ...
A tumor is a mass made up of cells that have divided abnormally. While being diagnosed with a neoplasm or tumor sounds ominous, it’s important to know that not all are cancerous. “Tumors are growths in any part of our body,” says Xavier Llor, MD, PhD, a cancer geneticist and gastroenterologist who is the co-director of the Smilow Cancer ...
