Axillary node

[cjd693]

I found a less than 1cm swollen node on the left side, between my under arm and breast.  It is easily palpable and is movable.  I went to my primary and she said to be safe, I should get an ultrasound.  I just had a negative mammogram in August, no other lumps, and no family history of cancer.  The doctor said it was so small that it is probably benign (she actually said it felt like a node in someone's neck), but of course I am nervous.  I am getting an ultrasound in 2 weeks.  Could this possibly be cancer?

[bigmama62]

Sorry to add to the above post I mentioned the lymph nodes from last year just to also see can a person be prone to having them swell? They are not longer an issue but just wondering since I had those and still do and now this?

[bigmama62]

I am a 46 year old woman who has had 9 kids and breast fed them all as well. No family history of breast cancer and have had regular mammograms for the past 4 years. They saw some intramammary lymph nodes last year did 2 fna's that were negative and then saw that they had been there for 14 years with no change. I went inf or an annual exam with a general surgeon (living overseas) and he said everything feels normal in the breast but then said have an ultrasound. He said under both arms lymph nodes are palpable  but within the normal range for a woman my age. But under the one arm a little more pronounced. So I dont know what that means. My question is if the ultrasound shows no problems what else should i do? I had a mammo. 7 months ago that was fine. Should I keep going and do soemthing else as well.I have lost 60 pounds recently and am still on a very restrictive diet. I dont knowif that would do anything. thanks for your advice

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
There are multiple causes of lymph nodes to enlarge in the underarm region. The most common causes are infectious or inflammatory due to waxing, shaving or use of a deodarant.
You need to go ahead with the USG to rule out a cystic swelling or a mass lesion. Also get a copy of the report and discuss it with your doctor. Depending on the report, the doctor will decide whether a biopsy is required for a confirmed diagnosis or you can wait for the swelling to subside. He might prescribe some antibiotics in the meantime.
You should continue with regular breast self exams till then and report any abnormal features like nipple discharge to your doctor. Also discuss with him / her when you need to get the follow up mammogram done.
Goodluck.

[Dennis MD]

Hi.
The swollen lymph node between your underarm and breast can be caused by infection or a neoplasm.  Though normal persons may have slightly enlarged lymph node in that area as a result of previous infections, other causes should be ruled out.
A breast ultrasound can distinguish cystic from solid masses.  
A diagnosis of cancer can be made by biopsy.
It would be best to wait for the ultrasound result for now and observe if the lymph node will change in character.
Best of luck.