Mass
Mass is a broad imaging term for a lump or abnormal growth seen in an organ or tissue.
When to get help quickly: Urgency depends on the location, symptoms, and imaging features. A mass causing obstruction, severe pain, breathing trouble, or neurological symptoms needs faster evaluation.
Common symptoms
Some masses cause no symptoms, while others may be linked to a visible lump, pain, pressure, bleeding, weight loss, or changes in how an organ works.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps describe where the mass is, whether it looks cystic or solid, how large it is, and whether it affects nearby structures.
What radiology does
Imaging helps describe size, location, borders, and internal features, which guide whether follow-up or biopsy may be needed.
What usually happens next
Some masses are benign, while others need more testing, specialist review, or treatment depending on their features.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.
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Related scan guides
- Liver BiopsyA liver biopsy uses image guidance to collect tissue for pathology, helping characterize liver disease while carrying bleeding risk and possible sampling limitations.
- Lung Biopsy (CT-Guided)A CT-Guided Lung Biopsy samples an abnormal spot or nodule found inside your lungs using real-time CT imaging for precision guidance, avoiding the need for major chest surgery.
- Soft Tissue Mass BiopsyA Soft Tissue Mass Biopsy evaluates unexplained lumps under the skin, in the fat, or deep inside a muscle using ultrasound or CT guidance to precisely identify what the mass is made of.