Yes, a doctor can often suspect if a lump is benign through physical exam and imaging (like ultrasound, MRI, mammogram) by its smooth, movable, fluid-filled (cyst) or rubbery (fibroadenoma) characteristics, but the only definitive way to confirm a lump is benign is through a biopsy, where a tissue sample is examined by a pathologist for abnormal cells.
Sometimes, part of a lump must be biopsied or the entire mass must be surgically removed for diagnosis. A pathologist will examine the cells and determine what type they are and if they are benign, malignant, or even precancerous.
Although malignant cancers are less common compared to benign lumps, early detection is incredibly important. The only reliable way to know whether your lump is benign or malignant is through diagnostic tests like a mammogram and ultrasound of the breast.
Cysts that appear uniform after an ultrasound exam or a CT scan are almost always benign and should simply be watched. If the cyst has solid components, it may be benign or malignant and should have further evaluation.
Blood tests, a biopsy, or imaging—like an X-ray—can determine if the tumor is benign or malignant.
Lipomas: Lipomas are formed by fat cells. They are the most common type of benign tumor. Meningiomas: These tumors develop in the brain and spinal cord membranes and are most commonly benign. Nevi: These noncancerous growths are more typically known as moles and appear on the skin.
An MRI can show if there's a tumor and give clues about whether it's benign or malignant. Radiologists, the doctors who read these scans, look for certain signs. For example, benign tumors often have smooth, well-defined edges, while malignant ones can appear jagged or irregular.
Breast lumps are common in general practice. More than 25% of women are affected by breast disease during their lifetime, the vast majority of whom will complain of a new breast lump. Fortunately, most of these will be benign, with breast cancer only diagnosed in 10% of new breast lumps.
See a GP if:
your lump lasts more than 2 weeks. a lump grows back after it's been removed. you have a lump in the breast or testicles. you have a swelling on the side of your neck, armpit or groin that does not go down within 2 weeks.
Make an appointment to have a breast lump checked, especially if:
Cancerous tumors are more likely to feel firm to the touch than benign lumps or cysts. They may also feel less movable. Still, this isn't always the case. The only way to know for sure whether a lump is a tumor or a cyst— malignant or benign — is to have a healthcare provider check it.
Commonly suggested "red flags" for malignancy in clinical practice guidelines are: age > 50 years, no improvement in symptoms after one month, insidious onset, a previous history of cancer, no relief with bed rest, unexplained weight loss, fever, thoracic pain, or being systematically unwell (Koes 2010).
About nine in 10 are benign. Many grow slowly. Others grow more quickly.
Benign (non-cancerous) lumps usually have these characteristics:
Cancerous lumps are often hard, firm, and fixed in place, with irregular edges, feeling like a rock, while benign lumps are usually softer, rounder, and movable, but this isn't a strict rule, as some cancerous lumps can be soft, and some non-cancerous ones can be hard, so any new or concerning lump needs medical evaluation for a proper diagnosis.
The most common symptom of cancer in the lymph nodes is that 1 or more lymph nodes become swollen or feel hard. But if there are only a few cancer cells in the lymph nodes, you may not notice any changes. If the swollen lymph nodes are deep inside the chest or tummy (abdomen), you will not be able to see or feel them.
They can feel firm or soft. Benign masses are more likely to be painful to the touch, such as with an abscess. Benign tumors also tend to grow more slowly, and many are smaller than 5 cm (2 inches) at their longest point. Sarcomas (cancerous growths) more often are painless.
Doctors can't always tell if a tumor is cancerous just by looking. Some tumors might look suspicious, but a biopsy is needed for sure.
In most cases, the answer is no. Simple cysts are almost always benign, and complex or complicated cysts are usually benign as well — but not always. “In rare cases, a complex or complicated cyst can harbor malignant cells,” says Dr. Racz.
Benign tumors tend to grow slowly and have distinct borders. Benign tumors are not usually problematic. However, they can become large and compress structures nearby, causing pain or other medical complications.
The tumor is growing aggressively: While benign tumors are usually slow-growing, some can grow quickly and cause serious health problems, prompting the use of chemotherapy.
Uterine fibroids (or leiomyomas) are the most common benign gynaecological tumour. They are formed by smooth muscle and connective tissue. Most fibroids are asymptomatic, however their number, location and size can lead to development of symptoms described below.