What Causes Lymph Node Enlargement In Armpit?

Posted on Thu, 30 Jul 2015

Question: Went to my go today as I have noticed a lymph node enlarged in armpit it feels like a very small pea its soft I don't know how long it's been there had like a feeling of strain muscle few weeks ago which made me start feeling about there. .gp could not feel no lumps in breasts but said for me to go back in 29 July to see if any changes. Should I be very concerned I haven't had a mammogram ever as now I'm 50 it's bit sore when the area is pressed

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Breasts and armpits ultrasound should be done,

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Thank you for the query.

You should not be worried at this point. But you should not leave it alone either. Every woman is at risk of breast cancer. And so are you. The risk is usually not high, but it is. Not having mammography you make this risk higher.
Your doctor should not ignore what you have palpated. You should have an ultrasound of breasts and armpits. Only this test can tell if there is any enlarged lymph node or not. Mammography should be done no matter what result of the ultrasound will be.
I suggest you to do not wait till the next visit. Please have an ultrasound done sooner.

Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (5 hours later)

I am going on holidays the 31 of July I have told the gp that's why she was seeing me on the 29 th . I'm even more concerned now having had your reply .
What does it actually mean if it's an enlarged lymph node is it definitely cancer I'm so confused , go saying don't think it's to significant after her examination , I have been squeeze and pulling it about so this is why she wants me leave it alone to see if still bit sore I think

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It does not have to be a lymph node.

Detailed Answer:
Well, first of all we do not know if its an lymph node or something else. That is why I have asked you to have an ultrasound done.
From your description it does not seem to be a lymph node. Its rather some soft tissues lump not related to breast cancer. I did not wanted to scary you. I just wanted you to be sure and secure that you don't have this cancer. That was my intention.
And even if its a lymph node this still does not mean its a cancer. As you can see there so much we do not know at this point.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (1 hour later)

Thank you I will go back and see if they will rush a scan along as you say sooner the better

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome.

Detailed Answer:
You are welcome.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar