Scans and X-rays
What Does Mass Mean on a Scan Report?
Mass · say it: MASSAlso written: space-occupying lesion, growth
Short answer
A mass is a lump or area of tissue, usually larger than a nodule, that takes up space. The word does not say whether it is harmless or not.
What it means
Mass is a general word for a lump or area of tissue that takes up space where it would not normally be. On scan reports it is usually used for something larger than a small nodule.
A mass can be many things: a fluid-filled cyst, a collection of infection, a benign growth such as a fibroid, or a cancer. The word itself is descriptive, not a diagnosis.
Reports often describe a mass by size, shape, edges and how it looks with contrast. Further imaging or a biopsy may be suggested to find out what it is.
Where you may see it
- CT, MRI and ultrasound reports
- Mammogram reports
- Doctors' notes after a physical examination
📄 How it looks on a report
A 3.2 cm mass is seen in the left ovary. Further evaluation with MRI is suggested.
🙅 What it does not mean
- It does not automatically mean cancer. Many masses are benign.
- It does not mean the radiologist knows what it is yet. A mass is often described before its cause is known.
- Larger does not always mean more serious. The other features matter too.
🎯 Check yourself
Which of these is the right meaning of “Mass”?
🗒️ Questions to ask your doctor
🧾 Reports where you will see “Mass”
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💊 Medicines whose labels mention “Mass”
Plain-English explanations of each medicine, from its official FDA label.
- Alendronate
a bisphosphonate, a medicine that slows the breakdown of bone by blocking cells called osteoclasts
- Ampicillin Sodium
a penicillin-type antibacterial medicine
- Cephalexin
a cephalosporin antibacterial medicine (an antibiotic that treats bacterial infections)
- Dexamethasone
A corticosteroid, a synthetic adrenocortical steroid medicine that lowers inflammation and suppresses the immune system
- Fluticasone Propionate
A corticosteroid, which is a steroid medicine, given as a nasal spray
- Ivermectin
An antiparasitic medicine, sometimes called a worm-killing medicine (anthelmintic), that the FDA lists as an antiparasitic and pediculicide
- Levothyroxine Sodium
a synthetic thyroid hormone (L-thyroxine, also called T4), described on the label as chemically identical to the hormone made by the human thyroid gland
- Medroxyprogesterone Acetate
A progestin hormone. The label describes it as a derivative of progesterone. The FDA pharmacologic class is not listed.
- Nifedipine
a calcium channel blocker of the dihydropyridine type
- Ondansetron
A serotonin-3 receptor antagonist, a medicine that blocks serotonin 5-HT3 receptors to help prevent nausea and vomiting
🔗 Read more from trusted sources
- “Mass” on MedlinePlus ↗
US National Library of Medicine
- NCI Dictionary definition ↗
US National Cancer Institute: “mass”
- RadiologyInfo.org ↗
Radiological Society of North America and American College of Radiology
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More words: scans and x-rays
General information about a medical word, not advice about your own results. Ask the clinician who ordered the test what it means for you.