New lump in axilla...opposite side from cancer??

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Anyone heard of breast cancer returning in the opposite armpit area? Have a small, hard lump which feels like a hard lymph node in my right armpit area (top part, close to bicep). Having ultrasound today but thought I would ask here too. Original cancer, stage 2, grade 3, positive LVI in June 2014. Had double mastectomy and SNB which showed 3 cancer free nodes...so I was node negative. No other scary symptoms at this time. Always worry about cancer side armpit....so when I accidentally found this I was surprised. I now it can settle anywhere but wonder how common it is?

Comments

  • BarredOwl
    BarredOwl Member Posts: 2,433
    edited December 2016

    Hi Leighku:

    While formally possible, I think contralateral (opposite side) axillary lymph node metastases is very unusual, and there are other more likely possibilities, including some benign ones (e.g., sebacious cyst?). However, any lump like that must be checked out promptly by a medical professional, so it is good you are getting it checked.

    Keep us posted and sending wishes for something benign.

    BarredOwl

  • Leighku
    Leighku Member Posts: 26
    edited December 2016

    Thanks BarredOwl for your quick reply. I try to stay off google these days but did a quick search and found the same thing...possible but pretty rare. With positive LVI and aggressiveness of the cancer, I am pretty quick to get everything checked. I just hate that these things have to pop up and cause stress. Ultrasound is this afternoon. Hopefully they will see quickly that it is fluid filled so I can avoid the stress of a biopsy. Had part is this hard pea feels exactly like a breast mass I had in my axilla area (but not a lymph node) at diagnosis.


  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited December 2016

    Yep, rare, but possible, so you are wise to get it checked. Lots of benign possibilities. Keep us posted. Sorry you're dealing with this stress.

  • Tresjoli2
    Tresjoli2 Member Posts: 868
    edited December 2016

    this just happened to me. it turned out to be a sebaceous cyst...

  • Leighku
    Leighku Member Posts: 26
    edited December 2016

    Good news. It is likely a lipoma....maybe a fatty deposit (necrosis). No reason given as to why it would form there...very top of axilla region...on the arm side. Still don't like it there. Think I will request a removal after the new year. I was misdiagnosed originally for a similar spot....size and feeling. I am thinking this menopause gig has caused my body to go haywire! Thank you all for your input.

  • BarredOwl
    BarredOwl Member Posts: 2,433
    edited March 2018

    Hi Leighku:

    That is good news!

    BarredOwl

  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited December 2016
  • Starlings
    Starlings Member Posts: 13
    edited December 2016

    I have also discovered 2 small lumps - one is under my arm. I had a lumpectomy on the opposite side in August, and finished radiation 2 weeks ago. I mentioned the lumps first to my primary care, he referred me to my gynecologist. Saw the gynecologist yesterday, he said to contact my breast surgeon. I'm very frustrated now as well as concerned.

  • Lynnlynn2
    Lynnlynn2 Member Posts: 5
    edited February 2017

    hi my name is lynn i had her2 pos breast cancer in 2014 with nodes involed in my left breast. For the last six months or so I have been expriencing a lot of itching under the non cancer side. the itching is not on the bra line but slitely above, i have tread everything and nonting seem to help i have also notice that part of my breat in darker.also when i had the cancer on the right side it did the same thing have any one ever had this proplem an do yo think i should have it checked out.Thank for any help.

  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited February 2017

    Lynn - I would start with a dermatologist. If you don't get answers there, then by all means contact your doc. I imagine you are you still being seen by an MO? I had HER2+ cancer in 2013 and I still see the MO every 6 months. If not, maybe your Gyn.

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