Which set of statements correctly describes the responsiveness of lesions to compression?

Which set of statements correctly describes the responsiveness of lesions to compression?

• A. Cysts may change shape; Soft benign lesions may change shape; Hard malignant lesions may not change shape; All of the above
• B. Cysts may change shape; Soft benign lesions may change shape; Hard malignant lesions may change shape
• C. Cysts do not change shape; Soft benign lesions may change shape; Hard malignant lesions do not change shape
• D. All lesions change shape under compression

Answer: (A)

Under compression, how a lesion deforms tells you about its tissue characteristics. Fluid-filled cysts are easily compressed, so they often change shape as the fluid shifts and the wall deforms. Soft benign masses, such as certain fibroadenomas or other gentle, pliable lesions, are also compressible and can alter their contour under pressure. Malignant lesions, on the other hand, are typically firmer due to dense fibrous tissue and tumor invasion, so they tend to resist deformation and maintain a relatively constant shape when compressed. Because each of these observations can occur—cysts changing shape, soft benign lesions changing shape, and hard malignant lesions not changing shape—the statement that combines all of them reflects the real patterns seen with compression.

Under compression, how a lesion deforms tells you about its tissue characteristics. Fluid-filled cysts are easily compressed, so they often change shape as the fluid shifts and the wall deforms. Soft benign masses, such as certain fibroadenomas or other gentle, pliable lesions, are also compressible and can alter their contour under pressure. Malignant lesions, on the other hand, are typically firmer due to dense fibrous tissue and tumor invasion, so they tend to resist deformation and maintain a relatively constant shape when compressed. Because each of these observations can occur—cysts changing shape, soft benign lesions changing shape, and hard malignant lesions not changing shape—the statement that combines all of them reflects the real patterns seen with compression.