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If one finds a lump on the surface of his or her body, but beneath the skin (not a dermal lump, but subcutaneous), and it doesn't grow for a month, and it wasn't there two months ago, is that a good indicator that it's not a cancerous/malignant tumor?
For example, let's say you found a round, 2.5cm lump on the surface of your chest, but not part of the skin, and it hasn't grown for a month and it wasn't there before a month or two ago, can one be reasonably confident that it's not a malignant tumor? All of my research so far suggests that's the case. >
3 months ago
I wanted to add that this question pertains to a lump that suddenly appears and the size is immediately measured and known and is known not to have grown for at least a month. Thanks.
3 months ago
I'd like to add that the lump referred to here is not providing any skin discoloration or other type of skin blemish, and it is round, hard, and fixed, has a smooth surface and regular edges, but it is not growing, and it hasn't been growing for at least a month (out of about 2.5 months now). Thanks.
3 months ago
Actually, assuming the opposite, that it's malignant in light of the fact that it's not growing, is wrong in my opinion. There's no need to cause anxiety when it's not warranted. Sure, it should be checked, but assuming it's malignant when it's known it hasn't grown is just unnecessary. And if a lump has grown superficially, how can one assume that it will grow beneath, posteriorly, and not superficially, anteriorly, anymore? It's pretty difficult to believe that a mass will grow one way and not the other. There's nothing restricting the lump to continue to grow superficially, so why would it stop if indeed it is not growing?
Chances are it is a cyst and that is not something to worry about, but it is always good to check with your doctor just ease your mind.
