Inverted nipple, swollen armpit. Clean MRI + US, armpit lump

susansph

From December 2017, I started to notice my left nipple was inverting periodically all the way in. A couple of months later in March, I started to experience an uncomfortable feeling in my left armpit / upper side ride - it was not painful but it felt swollen.

I've seen my doctor and gotten a breast ultrasound and breast MRI with contrast. Both came back clean, however the breast MRI did note "benign low grade enhancement related to central portion of the inverted left nipple without a measurable mass." My breast surgeon explained there was some inflammation in my left breast, but the cause was benign (based on the MRI).

The swelling in my armpit and inverting nipple have continued. Last night I noticed a tiny lump in my left armpit.

My question is whether I should get this investigated given the clean ultrasound and MRI. If it is an infection of some sort - do you know how they would diagnose that? These symptoms are causing me a lot of anxiety so I would like to get to the bottom of it asap even if it was an infection of some sort.

Thank you.

djmammo

Susan

Were your current symptoms present at the time of your MRI last year

susansph

Hi djmammo, the inverted nipple and slight swelling of my left armpit were present at the time of the MRI, which I went for just 2 weeks ago.

However, the small lump on my left armpit was not - this is new. Can I ask whether it is likely the breast MRI would have covered the armpit area?

The MRI report I received back notes "no axillary or internal mammary lymphadenopahy. No suspicious incidental findings."

Thank you, Susan

djmammo

susansph

The axilla (singular) or the axillae (plural) is the armpit area(s) and they are well seen on MRI.

susansph

Thanks for your response - appreciate it. Can I please how at what size an armpit lump gets to before one should be seeking for it to get investigated? The lump is on the outer part of my armpit away from the breast.

djmammo

Susan

The criteria for an abnormal lymph node is based on its ultrasound and MRI appearance as they can be big and normal or small and abnormal.

amarantha

Absolutely get a biopsy. There are conditions which do not make lumps and do not show up on a scan, a mamogram or an MRI. Only biopsies can set your mind at rest.

christyluna

Have you gotten any further testing done? I am having the EXACT same symptoms to a T as you, same breast and age and everything! Lol. I got a mammogram last week that said everything was clear, my OBGYN was the one who sent me to get a mammogram because my inverted nipple was a concern to her