Painful Cyclical Axillary Lump

I am 41 years old with 3 children.  For my past 4-5 cycles, I have had a painful spot in my left armpit.  It seems to start at about the time that I ovulate, and it gets progressively more painful until the day I get my period.  At that point it seems to go away until I ovulate again.  It seems to coincide with when I have tender breasts.

I was able to see an OB/GYN this morning while it was still inflamed but starting to go down (period started last night).  She did find a lump in the spot I described, but she could not find any other masses on either breast.  I think she said the lump was 1-2 cm.  I am scheduled for a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound this Friday.  She seemed to think it is something hormonal, but I can't help but worry that it may be more serious.

Has anyone had experience with an armpit lump that flares up premenstrually?

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

I understand your concern.  The tissues of the breast responds to fluctuations in the female hormone levels that waxes and wanes throughout the menstrual cycle.  There can be breast pain, as well as lumps that heightens usually before the start of menstruation.  The pain, lumps or swelling would usually regress once menses ensue.  

I agree that you need a mammogram just to be sure that there is nothing pathologic and I also agree with the OB GYNE that this can be hormonal.

Regards and God bless.