Joe McDonald found a lump in the left side of his neck about a year ago. It was more significant than a little bump. “It just kept growing,” the 67-year-old Fort Dodge man said.

Understanding the Context

“It got bigger fast.” ... Rolling Out: Cancer warning signs that have nothing to do with lumps When most people think about cancer symptoms, they picture finding a lump during a self-exam. While that’s definitely something to watch for, focusing only on lumps means you could miss other ... The size of a gallbladder polyp can help predict whether it's cancerous, called malignant, or noncancerous, known as benign.

Key Insights

Small gallbladder polyps that are less than 1/2 inch — about 10 millimeters (mm) — in diameter are unlikely to be cancerous and generally don't require treatment. A Mayo Clinic expert explains the differences and similarities between these two types of growths and how healthcare professionals determine whether they're cancerous. Skull base tumors are abnormal growths at the base of the skull that can be benign or cancerous and cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness and nosebleeds. Treatment may include surgery, radiation or careful monitoring. Diagnosis Screening tests are important for finding polyps before they become cancerous.

Final Thoughts

These tests also can help find colorectal cancer in its early stages, when you have a good chance of recovery. Screening methods include: Colonoscopy. In this test, a small tube with a light and camera is inserted through the rectum to examine the entire colon. The tube is guided through the colon using ...