Enlarged Lymph nodes under left Arm

Notsoworried

I had a bilateral mastectomy 13 years ago. The sentinel node and other nodes were taken on the left side. All breast tissue was also taken. There was not cancer in any of the nodes. I recently had an MRI and a CT Scan done for a shoulder replacement that I need done soon. My shoulder is very bad. During those scans, two lymph nodes showed up on the scans as enlarged. The surgeon and my PC doctor are worried but I am not. Should I be. I keep thinking that they are enlarged from the irritation from the shoulder. I don't know whether to see my oncologist after 13 years or go ahead with the shoulder replacement. Any advice.

MelissaDallas

Doing a punch or needle biopsy on axillary lymph nodes is not a big deal if you are concerned at all. What did the surgeon recommend? As far as having "all" breast tissue removed, there are always breast tissue remnants left, even after a careful &total mastectomy.

Moderators

Dear Notsoworried,

Welcome to the BCO community. We are glad that you reached out here. MelissaDallas offers good suggestions. We would concur that you might seek the input of your surgeon. Please keep us posted and let us know how you make out. The Mods

Notsoworried

All breast tissue was removed but I will call him to see what he wants to do. Thank you for your reply.

 

Ovum_of_dildo_grumpy

Add almond milk it typically helps during hard times

Dory123

Hello notsowrried,

I recently had 3 enlarged lymph nodes, all palpable and showed up on ultrasound. They could tell from the untrasound that they were not "not worrying". I was advised that they could be reactive to aything and just enlarged. They could remain that way or go down. I hope you have good news. You question who too see first - I would suggest oncologist first just for assurance then press on with surgery. Let us know how you get on. x

flannelette

Do you know the size of your enlarged nodes seen on the scans? I had a mammogram that showed a lymph node in the axilla area at 1.2 cm. the acceptable limit is 1 cm. so then there was another scan & they found one at 1.5 cm. I went through a summer of test after test you name it I had it, biopsies, MRIs, CT scans, ultrasound & finally, not wishing to leave 1 stone unturned, the removal and dissection of 6 nodes!! all showing absolutely not 1 cancer cell. After all that my surgeon said the enlarged nodes "can be caused by almost anything". I'd had a very severe rash all over my body for close to a year at mammo time & i believe that's what did it. So yes, could have to do with your shoulder irritation very possibly. Hope so.