Could gyno feel the difference between tumor versus scar tissue?

Dear Anon1

Thank you for contacting us here at Macmillan Cancer Support.  My name is Rae and I am a cancer information nurse specialist.

The gynaecologist may be able to feel the difference between scar tissue and a tumour during a physical examination, but they cannot reliably distinguish between the two by touch alone.  The way to accurately distinguish between scar tissue and a tumour is an ultrasound which can show differences in density and structure, or an MRI or CT scan which offers detailed views in density and structure.  A biopsy is the only certain way of telling if an abnormal area or lump is a cancer or not.  A doctor will only perform any of the above tests if they feel that they are necessary.

We can see that you are an active member of our online community.  We hope you are finding it a helpful and supportive place.

Please feel that you can speak to our nurses on the support line if you would like to chat through the above information.

Best wishes

Rae, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions, please get in touch by email, webchat or phone. The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks* on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm. You can also visit our Online Community, where you can talk to others who have been affected by cancer.  

Ref/RH/SMJ