2 benign lumpectomies and now underarm lump

Anonymous

2 benign lumpectomies and now underarm lump

Jteachths

Hi all,

I'm 28 years old with no family history of breast cancer, but I've had 2 lumpectomies in the past 4 years that turned out to be benign fibroadenomas. My doctor was concerned about phyllodes tumors both times, which is why she opted for removal. I had my last exam with the breast specialist in July and she released me from their care, assuring me that I was very low risk and had nothing to worry about.

Around September, I noticed some swelling under my left arm (the same side as my last surgery) and wondered if it could possibly be a swollen lymph node. It was not painful but palpable...I figured it was related to hormones and didn't think too much of it. I also have ulcerative colitis and wondered if the swollen area was just another instance of inflammation in my body. I asked my GI as much at my last visit a few weeks ago, and she felt the lump and told me to get checked out. I plan on scheduling an appointment with my doctor tomorrow morning, but until they can get me in, should I be concerned? Has this happened to anyone else who has a history of benign conditions? Thanks so much for your input!

Moderators

Hi Kteachths,

We want to send you a warm welcome to the BCO community.

Sorry that your breast worries have brought you here and we hope you get answers soon!

Sending our hugs over to you.

The Moderators.

sarahjane7374

I had a similar condition. In addition to multiple masses that tested benign, I also had several enlarged lymph nodes. Some were >2cm. Some of what the breast surgeon initially thought were lymph nodes turned out to be breast tissue in the axillary region. I think lots of things can cause the nodes to swell - a lot of them have nothing to do with breasts or cancer. I can still feel my nodes at times, and I had a bilateral mastectomy over 3 years ago with 8 nodes removed.

Glad you're getting checked out. Hope all is well.

Jteachths

Thanks so much for your response! My breast specialist is actually able to get me in for an appointment tomorrow afternoon, so I will not have the long, drawn-out wait that I had anticipated. Hopefully everything will check out just fine.