Q. Do malignant breast lumps always grow? If a lump doesn't grow in 3 years, does this mean it is definitely benign?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
The answer to this question is not as straightforward as it may seem because the growth rate of malignant breast lumps can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors. A lump that doesn't grow in 3 years could be benign, but this isn't necessarily true in all cases.
The most important factor to consider in determining whether a lump is benign or malignant is its appearance on an imaging test such as mammography or ultrasound. An experienced radiologist will look for certain characteristics within the lump such as shape, size, margins and consistency that can indicate potentially malignant lesions. They will also take into account other features such as symptoms (e.g., pain) and personal history prior to making their diagnosis.
That being said, it is possible for some malignant lumps to remain stable over time without growing significantly; however, if a lesion does not grow in 3 years then there is less likelihood of it being cancerous than if it were actively growing and changing during that same period of time. Regardless of how much time has passed since the initial detection of a lump, any changes should always be immediately discussed with your doctor who may recommend further testing based on their findings and assessment. If anyone notices any signs that are unusual or concerning they should never hesitate to seek medical attention right away - early detection and treatment are often key factors in successful outcomes when dealing with cancers like breast cancer which has thankfully become far more treatable today than ever before thanks to advances in medicine and technology!