Which examination site is listed as a potential screen for occult malignancy by palpating for lumps?

• A. BREAST (IF MALE THEN PROSTATE) TO SEE IF LUMPS
• B. LUNGS: GIVEN SMOKING HX
• C. THYROID
• D. ABDOMINAL EXAM (MAY SHOW METS)

Answer: (A)

Palpation for lumps as a screen for occult malignancy relies on finding a discreet, palpable mass that could indicate cancer before symptoms appear. The breast is the classic site where a lump can be felt and may signal occult breast cancer, making it the primary exam for this screening method. While other areas can harbor cancers, they are not used in the same lump-detection screening way: the lungs are usually evaluated with imaging rather than palpation for lumps, the thyroid is assessed for nodules rather than a lump-based screen, and the abdomen’s metastases are not detected by a simple lump palpation exam. So, examining the breast for lumps best fits the concept of screening for occult malignancy by palpation.