The Who, What, Where, When and Sometimes, Why.

Tumor Size

Tumor size is related to prognosis (chances for survival) and is part of breast cancer staging.

In most cases, the smaller the tumor, the better the prognosis tends to be.

A health care provider can estimate the size of the tumor if it can be felt during a physical exam. Images from a breast ultrasound or mammogram are also used to estimate tumor size.

However, the best way to measure the entire tumor is after it’s been removed from the breast. The pathologist will take measurements and record them in your pathology report.

Learn more about a pathology report.

Learn about tumor size and breast cancer stage

Updated 12/20/22

TOOLS & RESOURCES