Anyone with a cervix is at risk for cervical cancer. It mainly occurs in people over age 30. The leading cause of cervical cancer is a long-lasting HPV infection. In this article, we will learn what a cancer lump feels like and how cervical cancer lumps feel.
What does a cancer lump feel like?
It can be alarming for a person to find a hard lump under the skin. But every lump is not cancerous. There can be several factors and reasons for the occurrence of a lump, most of which are usually treatable. The reasons for a lump under the skin, other than cancer, can be cysts, dermatofibromas, lipomas, swollen lymph nodes, etc.
Cancerous lumps show particular symptoms, such as, the mass would be hard to touch, painless on palpation and appearing spontaneously. It will grow in size steadily over time. The size may vary as per the severity. A biopsy is the only way to confirm whether a cyst or tumour is cancerous. A biopsy is a procedure where some or all of the lump is surgically removed. This tissue is then sent to a pathologist so that he/she can look at it under a microscope and check for malignant or cancer cells.
How does a cervical cancer lump feel like?
Cervical cancer is the first solid tumour described with a cause linked to a virus, namely human papillomavirus.
Usually, cervical cancer isn’t present with symptoms at the initial stage. It is not possible to feel or palpate cervical cancer with your finger. The cancer cells are tiny and impossible to detect unless under a microscope. If a woman feels that there is a lump or mass in her vagina, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is cervical cancer. It can be a sign of a polyp or cyst.
Also, if cancer progresses to a later stage, involves the nearby organs, and grows as a big tumour, the cervical cancer lumps can be felt as hard during examination by touch.
Other than this, the most common symptom that a woman might face is the spread of cervical cancer to the lymph nodes. Cervical cancer can spread to lymph nodes in the area between the hip bones (pelvis). Whenever there is a lymph node involvement, the lymph node is felt as a lump that is hard or swollen.
Additionally, the cancer cells can also stop the drainage of the lymph fluid from draining away, causing swelling in your legs due to fluid build-up. The swelling that occurs here is called lymphoedema.
Remember to contact your healthcare provider immediately if you feel a bump or lump inside your vagina so they can examine the area.
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