Cancer Treatment Options Forum - October 28th, 2010 - 5 Comments
How can you tell the difference between a cyst and a breast cancer lump?
in the armpit?
my cousin has one in her armpit and she told me that the doctor at the clinic felt it and right away said it was just a cyst. but shes had it now for 3 years……and she says it got slightly bigger…….anyone know how you can tell by feeling it? cause apparently that’s what the doc did!
plus my cousin doesnt want to see another doctor cause she think the 1st doctor was right….
help
I’ve aways had tender lumps in my armpits. They were felt years ago by a dr and he said they were lymph glands. That’s been about 20 years ago. If anyone’s had any lump for 3 years, then it more than likely isn’t a cancerous lump or it would have spread beyond the primary area..
Biopsy
I believe a doctor could tell a cyst from a cancer. Although they might order an ultra sound test just to make sure.
This is not something that an untrained person can decide.
In many cases it is very straight forward for a trained medical professional to decide.
In some cases, it is difficult for even a trained professional to decide so theey order further tests such as mammograms, ultrasounds and biopsies.
80% of lumps that require this further testiong are non cancerous.
Yes a doctor can tell the difference.