Lump in armpit

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julijac
julijac Member Posts: 1
edited June 2014 in High Risk for Breast Cancer

I have had a lump under my right armpit for about 18 months now.  I told my doctor at the time I found it (10/2008) and I had a mammogram and sonogram on the lump.  They said it didn't show anything.  I didn't worry about it anymore since they didn't seem concerned.  Now, almost a year and a half later I still have the lump and it seems to be getting bigger.  I went to my new FP (just moved) to discuss what to do about it now, and he is concerned it could be cancer.  I am being scheduled for a sonogram.  I have a Facebook friend that advised me that a friend of hers had the same problem and her doctor's weren't worried about her lump, but she insisted on a biopsy and found that it was cancer.  She said that sonograms can have a false reading, and I should definitely do a biopsy.  Breast cancer runs in my family (mom and aunt), and all my mammograms have come back normal.  Two questions:  Should I worry?  Should I have a biopsy? 

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Comments

  • hrf
    hrf Member Posts: 3,225
    edited March 2010

    Yes, you should have a biopsy because that is the only way to determine what it is. U/s can't tell for sure and feeling it can't tell for sure ... only a biopsy can tell. Even with normal mammograms, you must have biopsy. I say this because of my own experience. I hope you get good news.

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  • mawhinney
    mawhinney Member Posts: 1,377
    edited March 2010

    Since it is in your underarm area, the lump may be in an area that the mammogram doesn't cover. I developed a lump in my underam and a core biopsy was done to obtain tissue samples.  Turned out to be a fatty tissue deposit.

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  • Jayne_in_UK
    Jayne_in_UK Member Posts: 517
    edited March 2010

    My advice would be to get a biopsy and find out for sure. I hope you find that you have nothing to worry about.

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  • AnacortesGirl
    AnacortesGirl Member Posts: 1,758
    edited March 2010

    I agree that you should get a biopsy for the reason stated above.  Imaging tests can only go so far.  If it was cancer and you let it go then you'd kick yourself later.  If it's nothing (and hopefully that is the case!!) then you get peace of mind.

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