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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.
Jul 29, 2024 · Tumor Markers, Testing, and Genetic Link. Tumor markers are biomarkers, measurable molecules found in the tumor itself, blood, or body secretions that can provide crucial information about whether you have cancer, the type of cancer it is, and, sometimes, how much it has progressed. Certain proteins found in your blood, bowel movements, urine ...
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Jun 17, 2021 · A benign tumor is one that is not cancerous. Benign tumors do not spread and do not invade other parts of the body. They usually have defined borders, and most of the time, they will not recur if ...
May 2, 2023 · Summary. When your doctor diagnoses you with a tumor, they will first determine if it's benign or malignant. Benign tumors are noncancerous. Malignant tumors are cancerous. Once your doctor determines what type of tumor you have, they can decide what treatment plan is best for you.
Jan 31, 2022 · A tumor, another name for a breast lump, mass, nodule, growth, or swelling, will look and feel differently depending on whether it is benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Breast changes over the course of a woman's life are common. And most breast lumps turn out to be benign. Benign growths feel soft or squishy and may move freely.