How can you tell if you have breast cancer or a cyst?
Cancerous breast lumps and breast cysts have some characteristic tactile differences, but they may feel similar enough the only way to really tell one from the other is a diagnostic test like a mammogram or ultrasound. Breast cysts are fluid-filled round or oval lumps in the breast.
Can breast cancer feel like a cyst?
They feel more like rocks than grapes. “A tumor won’t be smooth like a cyst. It might be tiny – they’re often felt by a doctor during an exam when they are as small as a half-inch in diameter,” said Tricia Merrigan, MD, breast surgeon with Avera Medical Group Comprehensive Breast Care.
What is the difference between a breast cyst and a breast lump?
A cyst in the breast may feel like a lump, but upon examination the lump is a small, generally harmless sac filled with fluid rather than a cancerous or benign lump of cells. You may have one cyst or many cysts that appear together. Cysts are more common in premenopausal women and can cause localized pain.
Can a breast cyst feel like a lump?
Breast cysts. If you find a breast lump that feels round, smooth and firm, it could be a cyst — a dilated milk duct filled with fluid. A breast cyst can be large or small, and the surrounding breast tissue may be tender.
How can doctors tell the difference between a cyst and cancer?
The best test to determine whether a cyst or tumor is benign or malignant is a biopsy. This procedure involves removing a sample of the affected tissue — or, in some cases, the entire suspicious area — and studying it under a microscope.
Can a doctor tell if a breast lump is a cyst?
A physical exam can give your doctor a general idea of whether you’re dealing with a cyst or a tumor. The next step is usually an ultrasound test. If soundwaves pass right through the lump, that means it’s filled with liquid and is a simple cyst.
Can you feel the difference between a cyst and a tumor?
Cysts can feel tender to the touch, and a person may be able to move one easily. Tumors can also grow almost anywhere in the body. They tend to grow quickly and are usually firm to the touch.