Armpit lump getting larger but clean mammogram,

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smiler324u
smiler324u Member Posts: 6
edited December 2018 in Not Diagnosed But Worried


About 5 or 6 months ago I noticed a "lump" in my left armpit but I could only find it when putting on my deodorant. I didn't think much about it as it never hurt. Two months ago, while at a visit with my nurse practitioner for a refill of Thyroid  meds, I told her about the lump. She had a very hard time locating it but sent me for untrasound. The technician also had a very hard time finding it, I even told him to push harder. The results was a suspected Lipoma but radiologist recommended a Mammogram. My nurse said that because I had had one only 2 months before and was clean, that we should wait a year and check it again. I was unsure if I trusted the diagnosis and considered a second opinion.

Three days ago while in the shower I noticed the lump it  was very much larger and very easily found. I called a different women's health center and went to see a new physician. After a physical breast exam (nothing noted) and an exam of the lump, he said that it was an enlarged lymph node. He recommended we wait another month and recheck.

I am very concerned that because in the 2 months since last exam it had made itself known, and  if I wait another month I could have bigger problems if it is cancer. He said he could order a breast MRI if I wanted. I felt like he thinks I am wanting to have bad diagnosis. I'm just worried....and I obsess.

Should I wait and see? How can it be breast cancer if mammogram was clean (Oh, I had an abnormal mammogram in 2013, left breast, biopsy was normal breast tissue) hope someone can help. Thanks

.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited October 2014

    Lymph Nodes are part of the body's immune system and swelling can be caused by any number of hormonal changes or infections. Did your Doctors do blood tests? Mammograms are not infallible (especially in dense breast tissue) but with an Ultrasound, results are usually definitive. If you can have the MRI, that may further define the diagnosis.

    Talk to your doctor again, if you are still concerned after talking with others on here.

    The Mods

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  • smiler324u
    smiler324u Member Posts: 6
    edited October 2014


    Thank you for replying. After driving myself a little crazy, I have decided to wait and see. I am going to make the appointment for the MRI in a months time out, just in case the lump doesn't change or gets larger, this way I won't have to wait any additional time for an appointment. I can always cancel. I will do my best to not obsess. Keep your fingers crossed for me

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  • Kalonis52
    Kalonis52 Member Posts: 134
    edited October 2014

    Hi honey, A mammogram normally will not show BC. Now, an Ultra Sound will show a possible Lump or Cyst. Or, even BC. A MRI definitely will show anything going on in your breast. Don't wait the 2 months honey. Do the MRI now. Just to be on the safe side. Just be calm and patient with this. You will be fine.

    Kaloni

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited October 2014

    Kalonis, On what do you base your statement that "a mammogram will normally not show BC". WRONG. Most breast cancers are detected by mammograms. You are incorrect. Also, why are you undermining her doctor by telling her to disregard what he said about waiting? 

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  • Kalonis52
    Kalonis52 Member Posts: 134
    edited October 2014

    Ok Melissadallas, you have made your point on my incorrect info. Sorry. Are you a Doctor? Please do not comment about my posts no more.

    Thank You,

    Kaloni Winking

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited October 2014

    When you post factually incorrect information that can unnecessarily alarm someone on these boards, someone will correct you. Might not be me, might be someone else, but SOMEONE probably will. That's the way it works.

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  • WinningSoFar
    WinningSoFar Member Posts: 951
    edited October 2014

    Let's split the baby.  Mammograms miss a lot of breast cancer, let's face it.  Were I you, smiler, I'd proceed with further tests (MRI etc) because you know that you've had a palpable lump for months. 

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  • smiler324u
    smiler324u Member Posts: 6
    edited October 2014

    Thank you for the replies.. Still waiting to hear from insurance company to allow the MRI. I'm continuing to monitor will contact the doctor next week. I am learning a lot on this board and I am researching everything, the correct and incorrect information. I do read that there are many  different experiences and symptoms. I believe I will be better prepared to ask the correct types of questions at my next appointment;  such as why he wants an MRI of my breasts instead of a biopsy of my axillary lump.  I am still very hopeful that this lump is just from some infection I forgot I had.

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  • Kalonis52
    Kalonis52 Member Posts: 134
    edited October 2014

    Hi there honey, Yes, the waiting is awful. Oh, yes this website is great to learn from. Yes, everyone is different and has different experiences and symptoms for sure. Wait to see your physician next week. And, yes, keep your Faith in all this. You will be fine. 

    Kaloni Winking

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  • deteamana
    deteamana Member Posts: 4
    edited October 2014

    Hi, waiting is hard. I am doing that myself. The people here are very helpful and supportive,though. Good luck and try to stay positive.

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  • Uni11
    Uni11 Member Posts: 1
    edited December 2018

    hi dear, any updates on your lump please? I have the same lump under my armpit and the doctor said it i nothing after doing ultrasound n mammogram tests..... but I am stil curious about i

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