Q. Malignant Tumors: What does a cancerous lump feel like?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Malignant tumors, or cancerous lumps, may feel different depending on where they are in the body. Generally, cancerous lumps tend to be hard and/or fixed (immovable), with irregular shapes and uneven surfaces. They can also often have a rough texture to the touch.
In some cases, a malignant tumor may cause pain in the area where it is located due to pressing up against nerves or other tissue structures. A skin-based tumor might even itch if it grows large enough to stretch the skin. Additionally, many people who have been diagnosed with a malignant tumor report that for months before diagnosis there were small changes in how that particular area of their body felt; such as an unexplained stiffness, tingling sensation or soreness that never really went away.
It's important to note that not all lumps experienced by individuals turn out to be malignant tumors; but if you do notice any changes or abnormalities at any point on your body – such as a lump – it's important for you to seek medical advice from your doctor as soon as possible so they can perform tests and determine whether it could be something more serious than just benign growths (such as cysts).