Are All lumps are cancerous?

No, it is not true that all lumps are cancerous, these vary a lot according to their cause and etiology. Out of 5 lumps, 4 lumps are benign which are harmless. These lumps are classified into numerous types.  The oncologist based on the type of the lump may suggest a treatment modality for the same.

Types of lumps:

• Thyroid Nodules: The real identity of a thyroid nodule is not known but if a patient has additional thyroid symptoms these nodules develop these are hard nodules.
• Cysts: these are soft and tender; it is likely to occur when a blocked duct causes an epidermoid cyst.
• Lipomas: These are the squishy ball of tissue that moves easily, these run in families.
• Fibroadenoma: These are large rubber type swellings whose exact cause is not known but it majorly seen in 20s-30s age groups.
• Swollen lymph nodes: These are basically due to bacterial or viral infections
• Ganglion Cysts: These are firm and spongy, these tend to happen after injuries.

How to tell if a lump is cancerous or not?

There’s no easy way to tell if a lump is cancerous from the outside, but there are some red flags, according to experts and if you experience any of the following, you can do breast self-examination and then consult a doctor:

• A hard, immovable lump that isn’t tender
• Any bump in the breast or genital area that persists longer than a few weeks
• A growth that seems to be enlarging rapidly

What are the causes of lump formation?

These lumps are causes for breast lumps :

• Normal hormonal breast tissue changes can lead to a lump in breast
• Infection (mastitis) in breast
• Fatty lumps formed as a result of trauma
• Some medicines can also cause the breast lumps
• There are certain conditions like fibrocystic breasts; benign cysts; fibroadenomas; intraductalpapillomaswhich may lead to a lump.

Sometimes lumps appear and disappear in cycles or are more temporary due to injury, infection or medication.