Last month, I noticed that there was a hard lump attached to my vertebrae. Somehow I was under the impression that the lump would disappear off its own accord, and I would just keep an eye on it and not seek medical help. Well, the lump is still there and while it isn't painful and hasn't grown in the month since I first noticed it, the lump is still there. So do I need to be worried now?
In short yes, I would be getting worried and going to the doctor now. I am sorry to be so blunt, but you do need to know cancer usually manifests itself in the form of a hard and painless lump, and that would be something that matches your description. So please do see someone, at least to rule out a tumor if nothing else.
Thank you for your reply - I do know that it's time to go and see a doctor and will call about an appointment. But aren't there other things, that are not cancer, that have the symptoms? Like a cyst or something equally harmless? I am really hoping to show up at the doctor thinking it cannot possibly be cancer!