Lump Location Question

anibas

I have a question.  I am having my annual check-up in December.  I am considered high-risk given my family history.  I have a lump on chest.  I think it would be closet to the axillary lymph nodes: levels III.  No other lumps in armpit or breast - no other symptoms I am concerned about. 

I noticed the spot while looking in the mirror and it is palpable. I thought at first it could be cased by lifting weights or exercise since it is so high up away from the breast.  Obviously I will ask the doc about it but thought I would see if any one else has experienced anything like this – should I move my appointment up?

 

Thanks. 

leaf

A colleague had a lymph node removed near her armpit.  It was from a fungal infection - she had been gardening her roses.

Of course, we can't diagnose you, though of course we wish you all the best.

Here's what the NIH says about armpit lumps; there are many causes:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003099.htm

ICanDoThis

bump

spongebob101

Just go to your appointment for your doctor... Also read or search in the internet more about breast lumps and also about this breast nodule. This will help a lot about your problem...

stlrepke

It could be numerous things and more than likely it is nothing at all to be concerned about. A friend of mine had gone in a few years ago to have a lump checked out that was higher up close to the armpit area. Ended up being a cyst, easily removed.

Wishing you the best.

Vennie

I had my first mammogram done and the results where "normal". My doctor says it does not show any cancerous tumor.

although he refer me to a surgeon because there are benign lymph nodes in the axillary. I do feel lumps under my arm.

I have a history of breast cancer in my family which includes my sister and grandmother.

I dont understand the reason why would he refer me to a surgeon.

Can someone explain to me a bit more about how concern I should be about these lymph nodes..

Thanks for the help.

leaf

They probably need a surgeon in order to evaluate the lymph node to see if the surgeon wants to remove it.  If you and they choose to remove it, they then  look at the lymph node under the microscope, they can look to see what types of cells are inside of it.

Unfortunately, we can't diagnose you. I wish we could ease your anxiety, but we can't tell you whether or not it is benign.

But, this is from Imaginis:

The axillary (underarm) lymph nodes may become enlarged or swollen any time they produce additional white blood cells to ward off an infection.  These infections are often benign (non-cancerous).  For example, lymph nodes may swell from the formation of an abscess (closed pocket filled with pus) in the nodes.  However, lymph nodes may also swell if they contain cancer cells. 

Unfortunately, there is no perfect way of determining whether a lymph node is enlarged because it contains cancerous cells or if it is enlarged due to other, non-cancerous causes unless a biopsy is performed.  However, there can be some indications from examination that a lymph node is more likely to be benign.  For example, if a lymph node is less than one centimeter in diameter and soft, rubbery and tender, it is more likely to have swollen due to a benign cause, such as recently shaving under the arm, using a new deodorant, having a manicure, or slightly injuring the skin on the side of surgery (called the ipsilateral side).http://www.imaginis.com/breast-health/lymph-nodes-1

Vennie

Thank youfor your reply.

I had my appointment today with a surgical oncology which  I felt I got nowhere.

except for learning that the mass is 2cm and that since my sister had a positive genetic test and had a mastectomy and lymph nodes removed at the age of 36. I'm a high risk.

So now I have to wait and get a sonogram done to later on have the surgical procedure of having the mass remove. Now isn't there another way that they can do this without all the wait. The unknown is really killing me. Until them I'm trying to stay positive.

mawhinney

Try calling your doctor, explain how anxious and concerned you are, and ask to have the procedure moved to an earlier date. If your doctor's schedule is full, request that you be kept in mind if their is a cancellation.

treerock

I am brand new to this website, so I don't know the breast cancer lingo. Donot have breast cancer but in July took the BRAC 1 & 2 test, and came up positive. Fiqured it would due to family history, and for years, since my second child I have experienced many lumps-and always checked them out quickly. Some where biopsied and some were tumors and some were fibroid's that couldnot be removed. I would strongly encourage you to go to your doctor's sooner if the lump doesn't go away soon. Better safe and get it asap if possible.  Due to the amt. of benign tumors and difacult to read mamograms, ultra sounds- and then mri's being done every 6-12 months, I was encouraged to take the test, and my insurance paid for it. When testing BRAC 1 positive, I decided to be pro-active and have a bi-lateral w/ reconstruction- it has been just 8wks since I've done this, and I a 100% am glad I made the decsion to do what I did- I have alot less to worry about as far as breast cancer is concerned now. One of the best decsion's I've ever made. So-long story short- get it checked, don't mess around. That's what I would have done.

Alyad

I would get the lump evaulated sooner than December. A friend had a cancerous lump high up on her breast against her chest, there is still breast tissue up there.