Airport scanners generally show solid masses on the surface area of a person's body and/or in their clothing. If a large cyst or mass appears to stick up above the skin or body outline around it, or looks like a solid mass compared to the area around it, the scanner may reflect that, said Dr.

In 2026, the primary purpose of airport body scanners—such as millimeter-wave and backscatter X-ray machines—is to detect "external" threats like weapons, explosives, and prohibited items, and they are not designed to diagnose medical conditions like tumors. These scanners primarily create a 3D outline of the body’s surface and anything hidden under clothing. While a large, superficial tumor (like a significant lump on the skin) or a large internal mass could technically appear as an "anomaly" or an unusual density on the operator's screen, the software is programmed to look for specific shapes and densities related to security threats rather than human anatomy. To stay grounded: if an anomaly is detected, a TSA officer will typically perform a physical pat-down to resolve the alert. It is a vital health tip to remember that airport scanners use significantly lower radiation doses than medical CT or MRI scans and do not have the resolution required for a medical diagnosis. If you have concerns about a lump or a suspected tumor, you should consult a healthcare professional for a dedicated medical imaging study rather than relying on airport security.