Swollen axillary lymph nodes

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4077eli
4077eli Member Posts: 4
edited December 2017 in Waiting for Test Results

I'm a 31 year old woman currently 35 weeks pregnant with twins. About 3 months ago I noticed a lump in my armpit while I was shaving. I went to my family doctor, who did a breast exam and found a "couple tiny lodes" (I can't feel them). She sent me for an ultrasound. The ultrasound tech kept asking me where the doctor felt nodes in my breast because she couldn't find them. I didn't know. I got the results of the ultrasound a week ago and it said there were actually 3 axillary lymph nodes seen, the largest of which was 2.5 x 1.2 x 1.1 cm. he said this was "slightly enlarged" (I'd argue more than slightly based on what I've read), however there was normal fatty hilar and no cortical thinking. No concerning breast tissue was seen, but he did note there were 4 tiny (less than 5mm) cysts. Radiologist said the nodes were "probably benign" and follow up in 3 months unless there was "clinical concern about palpability" I didn't want to wait, and the node is palpable so the doctor said he would refer me to a breast center so they could coordinate everything- more imaging, biopsy, etc. I got a call 2 day later and was given an appointment at a general surgeon (not a centre, he just has his own office but he is a breast surgeon). Not sure why he changed his plan, maybe so I could get an earlier appointment. I have literally read every pub med article about axillary lymphadenopathy I can get my hands on, and it sounds like I have a pretty significant risk of having some type of cancer based on the size of the lymph nodes alone (along with the absence of any signs of infection) , so I can't understand why the radiologist said "probably benign" and didn't suggest immediate biopsy. I'm completely terrified and I have such a pessimistic and bad attitude towards the whole situation. I'm having babies in 2 weeks and I should be getting excited and preparing for the babies, but to be honest I keep feeling like I wish I wasn't even pregnant now if I have cancer, especially a cancer advanced enough that it has already spread to multiple lymph nodes and made them so big. I don't know how to deal with this and change my attitude. I just cry all the time, and I don't even think about the babies anymore or care about how my constant sobbing and not eating enough is affecting them, so obviously I am going to be a horrible mother and I feel like if I have cancer I would want to just put them up for adoption because they deserve better.

I think I need advice on being positive more than anything, regardless of the outcome. I assume it's going to be a while before I get the biopsy results, and then who knows if those will even be conclusive about what type of cancer (if any) I have. And I still don't know if they're going to make me wait until after the babies are born for the biopsy. I don't know how to be excited about their arrival and bringing them home and learning to be a parent with this happening at the same time. All I want to do is just run away from everything, but obviously that isn't an option. I see my ob and the surgeon tomorrow.

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  • 4077eli
    4077eli Member Posts: 4
    edited July 2016

    I wish this board was more active. I dot know where else to talk about this. I swamy family doctor and the surgeon today. They both said they weren't at all concerned and advised that I do not get a biopsy but agreed to give me "peace of mind" I don't understand why they're not concerned about the size of the lymph nodes...do I just trust that they know from experience that this is nothing to worry about? Because based on what I've read, it's highly suspicious. The most the surgeon would agree to is an attempt at having the radiologist do a core needle biopsy of the lymph node. He couldn't do it in his office today because he said he couldn't feel any of the lymph nodes and the lump I was feeling wasn't a lymph node and wasn't even in the area of the armpit where te lymph nodes are. But the lump is what brought me to the ultrasound in the first place and they only mentioned lymph nodes. No glands or cysts. If there was a cyst or something it would explain the swollen nodes observed nearby and I'd feel much better, but I'm worried he is wrong and what I'm feeling is a lymph node. My family doc assumed it was, but then she isn't a breast surgeon. I have the radiologist, walkin doc, family doctor, and breast surgeon all telling me its nothing and i don't event need a biopsy but im till worried.

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  • Kathy044
    Kathy044 Member Posts: 433
    edited July 2016

    Sorry there has been little response to your concern Eli. I did have a positive lymph node that was evident on ultrasound before diagnosis. If it will help I will quote the exact words that were stated on my ultrasound report.

    "There is no fatty hilum in this lymph node so it is highly suspicious for pathology"

    In your initial post you say the fatty hilum is normal, the fact that this is even mentioned must mean this is of some importance. If it was me I would not push for a biopsy. I had to have an ultrasound guided fine needle biopsy, simple enough but not something that can be easily done in an office visit. Nodes don't sit still for a needle like skin lesions and such

    I visited my new baby granddaughter over the weekend, what a delight to hold her, and you are expecting twins!! How wonderful. You take care OK?

    Kathy





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  • jenjenl
    jenjenl Member Posts: 948
    edited July 2016

    I get swollen lymph nodes often with the slightest sickness. Have you been sick recently? Could it be your breasts getting ready for the babies? Lots of weird shit happens during pregnancy. As hard as this is pour all your energy into the babies. If it is something those kids will drive you...i know mine did. If you can't settle your mind get a second opinion or have them removed after you have your babies. Congrats on the babies. xo

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  • Tmh0921
    Tmh0921 Member Posts: 714
    edited July 2016

    I was diagnosed at 27, just as I was planning to start trying for a baby. I went on to have two babies post cancer diagnosis. Take a deep breath and remember that your body is in total upheaval right now nurturing and getting ready for TWO blessings. Those babies will need and love their mommy no matter what these lumps turn out to be.

    It's very likely that your enlarged nodes are completely non-cancer related. Nodes enlarge for any number of reasons including illness (sometimes even if we don't feel ill), and other reasons. However, I would agree with you that you should have them tested. It's highly likely the results will be benign, but a biopsy would give you a definitive answer and, better yet, peace of mid so that you can focus on and celebrate your babies and motherhood.

    Tracy

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  • EPV
    EPV Member Posts: 2
    edited July 2016

    hi, i am new here too. You probably have your babies by now! How fun, exciting and blessed you are.

    I totally get your anxiety to know whats going on with those swollen lymph nodes. I am so sorry about it. Theres is not much i can advice you in that regard, excet for: enjoy your babies, they need you, and the best way of taking care of them would be taking care of you: emocionally. Dont let this moment be shadowed by the uncertainty and the questions, take heart and soak in those beautiful memories of the little ones.


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  • Maya15
    Maya15 Member Posts: 323
    edited July 2016

    Hi 4077eli, I hope you're ok and your appointments went well. Please don't believe everything you read online about enlarged nodes. Based on what you report, it sounds like your doctors are right and there is nothing to worry about right now. When a radiologist gives a rating of "probably benign", it means they are more than 98% certain it is not cancer. Also, when breast cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, there is normally some evidence of a primary cancer in the breast, where the cancer started. Some people just have large lymph nodes, or it can be a reaction to an infection, a bruise, body changes related to pregnancy, etc. I had some nodes tested on my non-cancer side that were about the same size as yours but with loss of fatty hilum. The radiologist had rated them "suspicious for malignancy" but they were negative. Even when the radiologists think something is suspicious enough for immediate biopsy, 80% of those come back negative.

    For your own peace of mind, it might be easier to get the biopsy to confirm it's benign, so you can put this behind you and enjoy the birth of your twins. Waiting for results is a really scary time, and makes it hard to focus on anything else. But you should NOT expect to come out of this with a cancer diagnosis.

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  • 4077eli
    4077eli Member Posts: 4
    edited July 2016

    I hope you're right. I printed out the abstracts from all the articles I've read that are scaring me and I really hope the radiologist will talk to me about it, but i doubt he/she will have time. My biopsy is tomorrow morning. I don't know how I can get through this if it's cancer, all I do is cry I'm so scared and not cut out for dealing with cancer, especially if it's advanced which I assume it would be if it's already affecting lymph nodes in the middle if my armpit.

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  • Maya15
    Maya15 Member Posts: 323
    edited July 2016

    I don't think any of us are cut out for dealing with cancer, but in all likelihood, you won't have to be. All of us on this site have been through what you're going through, it's totally normal to be scared. It's good you're getting the biopsy so fast, so your mind will be at rest within a few days. If you haven't already, get a copy of your ultrasound report which will give you more information on why they think it's benign. Also, ask them how and when you will get the biopsy results.

    Every place has their own protocols, but you should get to speak to the radiologist (if not, then you can ask to speak to them). When I had my biopsies the radiologist met with me first to talk through the procedure and answer any questions. That included discussing exactly what they found on the scans. It's a good idea to ask them about what you're concerned about, then they can tell you why they think it is or isn't relevant in your case.

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  • jenjenl
    jenjenl Member Posts: 948
    edited July 2016

    dont borrow trouble!! Be strong! You have no choice but to face it and deal with it.

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  • jenjenl
    jenjenl Member Posts: 948
    edited July 2016

    just bc it is in a node doesnt mean stage 4. I had a node and wasnt.

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  • Jennie93
    Jennie93 Member Posts: 1,018
    edited July 2016

    I do know how scary it is to find lumps. I had lumps in my armpit on two occasions, after my cancer (and on the same side), so of course with that history they hustled me right off to the ultrasound place to get them checked out. But no biopsy was done. The ultrasound was all they needed to know for sure it was not cancer. I did not second guess them. I'm glad you are getting the biopsy for your peace of mind, but it really does sound like you have nothing to worry about. Try not to stress..... Easier said than done, I know.



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  • 4077eli
    4077eli Member Posts: 4
    edited July 2016

    just got home from the biopsy. The radiologist didn't want to do it because they couldn't even "find" the 2.5 cm lymph node, the biggest one they could find was 1.7x.8 or something like that....I begged him to do it on the one I can feel and he agreed but could only do a fna. I worry that they just somehow missed the big one, and I also worry because the radiologist said their "miiiiiiiiiight" be a little but of cortical thickening, but then proceeded to go on about how they looked totally normal and biopsy was completely unnecessary. I'm going to try to just accept that the doctors know what they're doing and I don't need to worry. But it's hard when I'm so hormonal and I've read so many scary things. They said results take a week, but it might be inconclusive because there wasn't much cells to suck up.

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  • Colz83
    Colz83 Member Posts: 4
    edited July 2016

    I am currently at the beginning of some testing. I had an ultrasound for a lump in my armpit that the doctor said is a lymph node. I have to go for a follow up ultrasound next week. I have no idea what can be causing this :S I am a mom to a almost two year old girl and that's all my mind can think about.

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  • Godisgood1
    Godisgood1 Member Posts: 6
    edited December 2017

    can you please update us and let us know about your biopsy? I am almost in the same exact situation however they would not do the biopsy because they could not find the previously in large lymph node. They said if I still have under my arm to go to my gynecologist and asked for a breast MRI?

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