The word “mass” in a pathology report refers to an area of tissue that is larger than normal. It is a broad term used to describe a lump or abnormal growth that can be seen or felt during a physical examination or detected using imaging tests like an X-ray or MRI. A mass can occur anywhere in the body and may vary in size and appearance.
In medical terms, a mass does not automatically mean cancer. It is simply a descriptive term for something that appears larger than it should in a particular body part.
Many different conditions can cause a mass, and not all of them are harmful. Common causes include:
Sometimes, a mass is caused by normal body changes, such as a swollen lymph node during a cold or scar tissue forming after an injury.
No, a mass is not always cancer. In fact, many are non-cancerous (benign) and do not pose a serious health risk. Examples include lipomas (fatty growths), fibroids (common in the uterus), and simple cysts.
Cancerous (malignant) masses, on the other hand, have the potential to grow and spread to other parts of the body. Because of this, it is important to investigate any new or unusual mass to determine its cause. However, the majority of masses found in routine examinations turn out to be non-cancerous.
Diagnosing the cause of a mass typically involves several steps:
By combining these methods, doctors can determine the nature of the mass and recommend the appropriate next steps.
This article was written by doctors to help you read and understand your pathology report. Contact us if you have questions about this article or your pathology report. For a complete introduction to your pathology report, read this article.