If you’ve recently discovered a lump under your skin, it’s normal to wonder — is it something harmless, or something serious? The question of lump vs cancer is one of the most common fears patients bring up in exams. The good news: most lumps aren’t cancer. But knowing the warning signs can make all the difference.
This FAQ breaks down the most common questions we hear about lump vs cancer concerns.
No — most lumps are not cancer. Common benign causes include:
Cancerous lumps are typically firmer, fixed in place, and grow steadily over time. But the only way to know for sure is with imaging or biopsy.
See your doctor if a lump:
Even if a lump seems minor, rapid changes can signal a deeper issue.
First, your provider may perform a physical exam. If there are concerns, they’ll likely order:
These are standard tools used to distinguish lump vs cancer — and they’re fast, safe, and accurate.
If a biopsy confirms cancer, early detection works in your favor. Image-guided interventions can often help with:
Learn more about how image-guided biopsies detect cancer — RadiologyInfo
If the lump:
…it’s time to get it evaluated.
It’s easy to ignore a lump — or panic about one. But most concerns fall somewhere in between. The good news? Interventional imaging can often give you answers quickly, without surgery.
Find more patient-first diagnostic insights on our blog.
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