Lumps on your body: Are all lumps cancerous?

So you’ve found a strange lump somewhere on your body. Before you jump to conclusions… no, not all lumps are cancerous.

Types of lumps and their characteristics

In Singapore, the most common form of cancer found in women¹ is breast cancer, followed by colorectal and lung cancer. With men, it’s mostly prostate cancer¹ followed by colorectal and lung cancer. These cancers start with cancerous tumours or lumps – the earlier you identify them, the better.

But don’t get alarmed just yet… while some lumps are indications of cancer, your lump could actually be benign. Here’s some useful information so you know when to schedule that doctor’s appointment:

Benign lumps

Most lumps are typically harmless and do not pose a threat to health.

For example, women may find lumps on their breast during self-examination. However, benign growths are extremely common, and more than 90 percent of breast tissue changes are benign².

Examples of non-cancerous lumps include the following:

Cysts

Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop in the body. These cysts are often benign, and while they may cause tenderness or pain, they are generally harmless. Cysts can vary in size and may require drainage for relief of symptoms.

A common type of cyst are epidermoid cysts³, which are noncancerous small bumps beneath the skin. They can appear anywhere on the skin, but are most common on the face, neck and trunk.

Benign tumours

A tumour refers to any unusual area of extra tissue. Like a cyst, a tumour can form in any part of the body – your skin, tissue, organs, and bones. A benign tumour⁴ forms in only one spot without spreading to surrounding tissue.

Fibroadenomas

Fibroadenomas⁵ are common breast lumps that are non-cancerous. They are typically smooth, firm and rubbery. Unlike a cyst, Fibroadenomas may move easily within the tissue when it is touched. It often causes no pain.

However, if the lump changes in size or any other way, or there are new lumps or other changes in your breast, you should get it checked out by your doctor.

Malignant Lumps

In contrast, malignant lumps⁶ are cancerous, grow rapidly and have the potential to spread to distant parts of the body. Detecting malignant lumps early is crucial for prompt intervention and effective treatment. Malignant lumps may feel firm, irregular, and are often painless, underscoring the importance of regular self-exams and screenings.

Some differences between benign tumours and malignant tumours

Source: Healthline⁷

PASH and other false alarms

(Pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH)⁸ is a benign breast condition where there is an overgrowth of cells in the body’s connective tissue. Although it might mimic the feel of a lump, PASH is benign and usually does not require treatment unless it causes significant discomfort or becomes excessively large.

Other false alarms spotted during a self-examination include bruising or scar tissue that can form during injury⁹. These non-cancerous conditions are generally harmless and do not pose a cancer risk. Regular screenings and consultations with healthcare professionals help differentiate between benign conditions and potential concerns.

When to seek medical attention

Cancers that generally present as a lump include breast cancer, thyroid cancer, lymphoma and nasopharyngeal cancer⁶. Look out for changes in skin colour, thickness, and new moles.

For example, a cancerous breast lump may feel irregular, firm or hard. Common symptom of lymphoma is a swollen lymph node in the neck, armpit or groin that may persists or grows in size. A sign of testicular cancer is normally an enlarged testicle or a painless lump felt in one or both of the testes⁶.

It’s always a good idea to be proactive and consult with a doctor when you notice any of these changes. Routine health screenings based on individual risk factors and age guidelines are generally recommended for early cancer detection.

Benefits of cancer insurance in Singapore

Aside from staying on top of your health by going for routine check-ups, ensuring financial coverage with cancer insurance in Singapore is another way to protect yourself from the high costs of treatment.

FWD Cancer 2.0 insurance is Singapore’s most comprehensive¹⁰ online cancer plan, including coverage for all stages of cancer and early tumour diagnosis. You will receive an additional payout of 10% sum insured or S$10,000 (whichever is lower), upon diagnosis and subsequent removal of benign tumour, or diagnosis of borderline malignant tumour.

If you’re looking for affordable coverage for cancer and other common critical illness, you can check out FWD Big 3 critical illness insurance. This plan covers all stages of cancer, late-stage heart attack and late-stage stroke for up to S$200,000.

Get your critical illness coverage with ease online by answering a simple health declaration.