Last Updated on February 24, 2021
Finding lumps in your body can be quite worrisome, jarring, or just “meh” to you, depending on your mentality. But whatever your reaction to these little intruders in your body, you should pause and dial your doctor’s number for a quick check-up!
You see, lumps can be quite tricky as they are either completely harmless or malignant so you should never ignore them in any case. After all, an estimated 1.8 people will get diagnosed with cancer in the US this year, according the
National Cancer Institute.
To avoid panic or denial, here is a list of ways to identify the lumps on your body, how to identify cancer lump, and what you should know.
1. Are those lumps on your body?
You might find small lumps here and there on your body, and they’re harmless most of the time. But if you discover a lump that is bigger than “usual” or even the size of a golf ball, you should check with your doctor immediately.
One of the first things you notice in a lump is its size, location, and feel. Is it small? Is it tender to the touch? Is it soft or hard? Is it moving or changing form? Is it painful?
Even if it’s a small lump on neck, lump in throat, lump in armpit, lump behind ear, you should seek medical attention to rule out the possibility of cancer.
2. It could be a lymph node
The lump could be a lymph node which is an important part of the body’s immune system. Lymph nodes are small bean-shaped structures that are located throughout the body and which get rid of toxins and dead blood cells.
Note that lymph nodes can get swollen when dealing with many dead cells when you have a cold or an infection. Anyhow, you should check with your doctor to see if those are actually lymph nodes or something else.
3. It could be a cyst
Do you notice a small pea shape on your skin? It could be a cyst.
Cysts are sac-like pockets filled with fluid, pus, or other substances, and they can grow anywhere on your body or under your skin.
