Lump in armpit

Sarajanedward

Found a lump in right armpit about two weeks ago. In about three days it disappeared so I just figured it was nothing. This past Saturday it reappeared so yesterday I had an appointment with OBGYN. He felt the lump but did not find any others when he did breast exam. However, when he did breast exam I had severe pain in the area close to the armpit. It was very very sore. He ordered an ultrasound of right breast, ultrasound of right axilla, and digital bilateral diagnostic mammo. Due to COVID and upcoming Easter holiday the earliest I could get an appointment is 4/15. On the tests scripts doc put assessment as N64.4 breast tenderness in female. Am wondering why no mention of lump in armpit. Also, what does all of this mean? Any insight would be appreciated. The doc did say to avoid getting testing done at the hospital and to go to an outpatient facility, which I am going to a breast only center.

bcincolorado

Hi,

I am sorry you are going through this and especially right now which is such a scary time. I know our breast center here does all of that in the same building and I did not have to go to the hospital for the initial testing to be done. There is a lab in the same building as well I could do lab work so exposure is much more limited. I know here at least they are very limiting no who is allowed to accompany people but they are allowing one care person to go in with a patient if you have someone who wanted to be with you to take notes for you which is often helpful. Best wishes to you.

Salamandra

I would ask him why he didn't mention the lump, either in a phone call or through whatever communications portal he's using. It seemed like it was important for each stage to know what the previous stage saw and have an idea of what to look for. It may not make any difference, but it can't hurt to be a squeaky wheel now.

Yogatyme

Sara, I get a swollen lump in my armpit (where lymph nodes removed) whenever I get sick or cut my hand or arm. It starts with armpit pain. My breast specialist said it is the lymph system doing what it’s supposed to do to fight infection but b/c there are nodes missing, the remaining have to work overtime. I hope this is all it is for you.

Sarajanedward

Thanks for the reply. I had thought is was nothing when it came and went, but when it appeared again I thought it best to get it checked out. I am thinking my doc thinks it could be something why else would he order so many tests and especially during this very sensitive time when the medical community does not want patients to be out and about? I am not really too worried right now but was trying to understand if anyone had a similar scenario. It seems odd that it came and went and he did seem concerned about the pain when pressure is applied to the area at the top of my breast leading into the armpit. I am coming off of a year dealing with my husband having stage IV thyroid cancer, so I am tuned into the importance of paying attention to your body. Again, thank you for your reply and I am happy that your situation was a good outcome.

Rah2464

I think your doctor is being very thorough - what a blessing. Odds are it is your lymphatic system simply doing its job but with the imaging you will have more definitive answers. Sorry he didn't mention the lump, I sure would have that discussion with whomever is actually doing your imaging. Not long after my treatment I had some swollen nodes on the cancer side so was sent in for imaging. The technician was wonderful and went over everything as she scanned me.

My armpit nodes swell now if I have over used my arm on the lymph node removal side. I think it is because lymphatic flow is compromised now and anything such as a cold or overuse can activate it.

Good for you for being careful and checking things out and I sure hope everything turns out clear.