General question about lumps and swollen lymph nodes.

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LupeOne
LupeOne Member Posts: 4
edited December 2016 in Waiting for Test Results

Six months ago I went in to my OB-GYN for an exam and they noticed a swollen axillary lymph node under my right armpit. They suggested I follow-up in 6 months. I recently had my follow-up appointment and learned that not only is that lymph node swollen, but I also have a lump in my right breast (both confirmed via ultrasound). I don't feel pain in my breast or armpit. I have a biopsy scheduled for next week. ETA: the doc said they know the lump is not a cyst. Not sure if that is relevant or not but I wanted to put it out there.

I realize that most lumps are not cancerous. I also realize that there are many causes for swollen lymph nodes. However, I also know that benign breast lumps do not cause swollen lymph nodes. My question is more of a general one: how often do doctors see breast lumps accompanied by same-side lymph node swelling when it is benign? Is that a relatively common occurrence?

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited December 2016

    Hi Lupe,

    We're bumping your thread in the hopes that one of our knowledgeable members can weigh in and reassure you.

    Sending positive thoughts for nothing to worry about!

    --The Mods

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  • LupeOne
    LupeOne Member Posts: 4
    edited December 2016

    Thank you! I am checking back often in hopes of finding information.


    To recap: I wonder, does the 8 of 10 statistic (8 out of 10 lumps will be benign) hold true if one also has an enlarged axillary lymph node on the same side as the breast lump?

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited December 2016

    Lupe: I'm sorry, I do not know the answer, but I do know that no two presentations are ever exactly the same. I'm glad you're scheduled for a biopsy and hope the results are favorable.

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  • LupeOne
    LupeOne Member Posts: 4
    edited December 2016

    Thank you for the positive thoughts. I understand no presentations are the same which is why I'm wondering about a general trend rather than specifics about my own situation. If having both a breast lump and same-side axillary lymph node swelling is generally as common as having a benign breast lump I would worry much less! I don't know who/where else to ask and can't find my answer through google so I'm hoping someone here will know. If not, I will ask when I go in for my biopsy. Thanks!

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  • LupeOne
    LupeOne Member Posts: 4
    edited December 2016

    I am relieved to report that both the breast lump and swollen lymph node were benign. I also learned that the node was swollen to 22 mm. Still not sure what is causing it to swell but I can cross cancer off the list of possibilities.


    Prior to the biopsy I spoke with my doc and asked about the percentage of benign results when there is a breast lump and same side swollen lymph node. She did not have actual numbers but stated that while it may be a slightly higher likelihood, it is still on the lower end of probability. I wanted to follow up with this information in case someone is looking for it in the future during their waiting period, as I was.

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  • Kjoyce
    Kjoyce Member Posts: 18
    edited December 2016

    Lupeone, what a great news! I want to thank you for sharing this and also for coming back to report that you got all clear! I am currently waiting for my breast clinic appointment rerargind swollen armpit node and some breast pain on the same side. I hope I will be as lucky as you!

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  • obsolete
    obsolete Member Posts: 466
    edited February 2017

    Joyce, I'm so sorry about your stressful situation.

    Lupe, congratulations on your negative dx.

    Over the years, I've had a temporary swollen node under my arm (cancer side), but it was due to a spider bite or prick from toxic palm frond or swollen hand from infection. Always resolved on it's own or with antibiotics (amoxicillin).

    Occasionally my supraclavicular area develops lymph fluid buildup from lymphedema, especially when I don't drink enough fluids. After circular pattern massages, swelling seems to reduce or resolve. Doctors examined and that's the consensus. I had lymphedema massage therapy for a year.

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  • Kjoyce
    Kjoyce Member Posts: 18
    edited December 2016

    WeAreConnected, thank you. I do have a wart on my finger of left hand, same side as the swollen lymphnode. I am hoping it's connected.

    Hope you are well xx

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