Reactive axillary lymph node

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Jlt814
Jlt814 Member Posts: 23
edited September 2021 in Benign Breast Conditions

A couple of months ago I had a diagnostic mammo and ultrasound for a painful lump. They found 3 reactive nodes that all looked benign. I was given a Birads 3 score and told to come back in 6-8 weeks.

I just had my follow-up ultrasound, and while 2 have resolved themselves and gone away, one node is still reactive and measuring 2.2 cm. The radiologist assured me that while it's larger in size, the fatty hillia is present and with 99% certainty he can say it's benign. He does not feel it needs to be biopsied at this point and said I should return in 6 mo for a follow-up ultrasound to check again.

I have not been sick or received the COVID vaccine, but I do have some pain form an arm strain that I suppose could be causing it although I'm not sure. I've read that sometimes nodes swell and then never return to their "normal" size?

Has anyone else had a reactive node that didn't resolve immediately? Would you recommend I push for the biopsy or trust the radiologist's advice to watch and wait?

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  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited April 2021

    Yes, it is perfectly normal for reactive lymph nodes to sometimes never return to their normal size. I have that with some neck nodes.

    I'll refer you back to the thread that you posted in previously:

    Topic: Lymph Nodes on Ultrasound

    "The overall size of a lymph node is more often less important than their internal architecture in breast cancer. The key is the thickness of the cortex and the appearance of the fat that lives in the center of the lymph node. When cancer cells enter a node the collect in the cortex making it thick. The increased volume of the cortex enlarges the node and compresses the fat in the center. An abnormal lymph node can be small with a thick cortex and completely effaced fatty center. A normal lymph node can be very large but have a very thin cortex and nice plump fatty center. If the cortical thickness in not included in a report that indicates an enlarged node, I would ask them to revise the report."


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  • green71364
    green71364 Member Posts: 17
    edited September 2021

    Hi. I have had a node that has not went away for 5 years now. Initially, I was told it was reactive, Drs. couldnt feel it but I could. Had ultrasounds every year for years, and everyone came back fine. It still bothers me and gets sore sometimes, when I have a cold or sinus trouble. Dr. told me it was just going to be a part of me and not to worry about it. Mammography tech said that after so many years without change, it should be fine, just normal for me.

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