Swelling under Arm and breast 10 years after mastectomy

Josieandbaby

I have swelling and pain under my arm. No lymph nodes. Had mastectomy 10 years ago. Should I be worried that the cancer is back

gracie22

since you are a former cancer patient, get it checked of course, but it is more likely something else. The underarm and surrounding area have so many lymph nodes that any minor infection can cause what you are experiencing. Usually most non-cancer stuff sorts itself out within a couple of weeks. So if it has been longer, get to the doc! if not, give it up to that time--no longer. Also, don't shave your underarms during that period in case it is a local infection that may be irritated further and avoid underwire bras and any tight compression.

Luvmydobies

Lymphedema is another possibility. You may speak to your doc about seeing a lymphedema therapist. Also, you could go to the lymphedema board on here and ask about experiences. I have truncal lymphedema on my right side and my armpit on the right stays swollen. You may get some more feedback on the lymphedema board

MinusTwo

Josie - I agree, see you doc. In the meantime, lymphadema can start any time. I also have breast & truncal LE. Here's a great site about LE that many of our BCO women were instrumental in writing. http://stepup-speakout.org/

KBeee

Definitely get it checked. Keep us posted

hugz4u

I second the lymphedema site posted. You can get lymphedema even if only one node was taken or if you had rads on that side.(don't believe your doc if he says otherwise, most docs are very uneducated with lymphedema in early stages and don't know the symptoms first presented) You can get lymphedema right off the bat or a many many years later! If starts out NOTbothersome or swollen when getting up first thing in morn and then gets more swollen as day goes on then that sounds like lymphedema. When caught early it's reversible. :)Do get checked out also incase it's cancer rearing its ugly head. Take care of this asap. And do visit us on the lymphedema thread here at BCO also.

Don't be scared ,your so clever for inquiring as knowledge is power!