Size indicates how large across the tumor is at its widest point. Doctors measure cancer in millimeters (1 mm = .04 inch) or centimeters (1 cm = .4 inch). Size is used to help determine the stage of the breast cancer.
Size doesn’t tell the whole story, though. All of the cancer’s characteristics are important. A small cancer can be aggressive while a larger cancer is not — or it could be the other way around.
Meet our Medical Experts »“Size matters when it comes to breast cancer, but size is only one of the personality features on the list. You can have a small cancer that behaves like a bully, or a large cancer that is mild-mannered.”
Marisa Weiss M.D., Breastcancer.org president and founder, breast radiation oncologist, Philadelphia, PA
Breastcancer.org is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing information and community to those touched by this disease. Learn more about our commitment to providing complete, accurate, and private breast cancer information.
Breastcancer.org 7 East Lancaster Avenue, 3rd Floor Ardmore, PA 19003
©2012 Breastcancer.org - All rights reserved.
