Armpit Tenderness

Hello!  I am a 38 year old female.  My maternal grandmother lost a battle with breast cancer in the 80's, so I have been getting mamogram (mammogram) screenings since I was 36.  

I have had tenderness in the hollow of my right armpit since Nov 2009.  I had it check by my PCP in Jan 2010, which she ordered a review of my previous mamogram (mammogram) screening from July 28, 2009 and an auxillary ultrasound.  These came back fine, they did not see anything.  In Feb 2010, asked Ob Gyn during annual well visit and was told cancer typically was not associated with pain.  She felt it was reasonable to wait until my next mamogram (mammogram) in July 2010, but would order a diagnostic mamogram (mammogram) if I wanted.  It is now June and I still have tenderness in my armpit - no worse, no better. I cannot feel a lump, but the contour of my right armpit is different than the left (swollen).  

Should I go ahead with diagnostic or would a screening momogram be okay?

Thanks    

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear ccu2020:  Most breast cancer is not painful.  A screening mammogram will do 2 views of each breast up/down and side/side.  A diagnostic mammogram will focus on an area of concern.  You might ask your doctor for her advice to help you make the best decision.