New York, NY
A 28-year-old female asked:
How do you tell the difference between a cyst and a cancerous tumor under the skin?
4 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Harris Cohenanswered
Family Medicine 23 years experience
Skin: Masses under the skin that are rubbery and freely mobile are often benign, but the only way to really know would be an excision or tissue sampling and examination of the tissue by a pathologist. Imaging (such as ultrasound, ct scan, or mri), may also be helpful.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Reza Shirazianswered
Radiation Oncology 22 years experience
Look, feel, imaging: The look, feel, imaging like ultrasound, MRI or ct scan charecteristics may help. Some remain hard to tell and ultimately may require surgery to confirm. Stability of size overtime is usually a good sign.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Travis Kidneranswered
Surgical Oncology 19 years experience
Biopsy: A simply biopsy would give you the answer.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Myron Arlenanswered
Surgical Oncology 66 years experience
Possible bx: A cyst under the skin when palpated gives the suggestion that there might be fluid present. Placing a fine 22 gauge needle into it can define if fluid is present. Most lesions under the skin rarely are cysts but rather lipomas, fibromas , neuromas and the intial growth of desmoid like lesions. Here a biopsy or excision can resolve the problem.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Mar 10, 2018
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $19/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.