I had a lump in left armpit which i was told could be a cyst, six months on i have developed and abscess of which had to be drained. The surgeon told me that they could not see the cyst due to the infection he also asked me whether or not i had any breast lumps, of which i cannot answer as i have put on so much weight due medication i cannot tell what is a lump and what is not. Can an abscess be a symptom of cancer ? Other symptoms incude hand tremors, faintness, headache, tooth abscess, back pain, tiredness.