Persistent enlarged axillary lymph node

12 years ago I found a lump in my armpit (small...maybe around 1 cm).  I'm very thin, so this was the reason I was able to feel it in the first place...not a whole lot on top.  lol  Had a mammogram and ultrasound done and it was determined to be an enlarged lymph node.  At the time, I was told it was nothing to worry about.  Over the years, I have been able to find the lump on and off...seems to disappear at times.  Either that, or I just can't find it at times...it is movable and is difficult to find.  I'm now 37 years old and my primary care doctor wanted me to get a baseline mammogram done (even though I had one done 12 years ago).  Prior to getting the mammogram, I found the lump again.  The lump was viewable on the mammogram, and the technician said it looked like a lymph node and didn't look concerning to her.  However, my primary care doctor wants me to get an ultrasound done (even though I had my records transferred over from the previous doctor where I had the other mammogram and ultrasound done 12 years ago).  How concerned should I be?  If this lymph node has been enlarged for 12 years and hasn't caused me any problems yet...is it a concern?  Can it develop into cancer?  

Just a little history...when I was in high school I had tonsilliltis on and off for my entire sophomore year of high school.  Ever since then, my tonsils have been slightly enlarged, and the glands in my neck have been slightly enlarged (I'm assuming scar tissue?).  Could the enlarged axillary lymph node be from this also?

[japdip]

The testing 12 years ago would not be of much value at this point and you are at a good age now to have these screenings done. Often when a lymph node becomes enlarged it never returns to it's normal size and this may well be the case for you. After 40 you would ordinarily be advised to have yearly Mammograms or Ultrasounds so this will give a starting point for comparison in the future. Mammogram and Ultrasound "see" different things and often "see" them differently so are frequently used together for a complete picture. I wouldn't be terribly concerned but the recommendation is an excellent one and demonstrates good medical care.     Regards ....

[amyd72]

But what could cause a lymph node to be enlarged for 12 years (or longer)?  Is it always a concern?  

[bluebutterfly2222]

As japdip indicated, "Often when a lymph node becomes enlarged, it never returns to its normal size and this may well be the case for you."

Also, "I wouldn't be terribly concerned, but the recommendation (for an ultrasound) is an excellent one and demonstrates good medical care."

Please let us know how things turn out with the ultrasound.

Best wishes...

[japdip]

Your persistant infections 12 years ago would account for the enlargement of the node ..... as previously stated some nodes never return to their normal size.

[amyd72]

Had ultrasound today - benign lymph node.  The radiologist said that because it was enlarged 12 years ago (most likely longer than that....but that is when I first noticed it), that it will probably always stay enlarged.  And to not worry about it unless it starts to increase in size.  I just need to get annual mammograms...nothing extra.  What a relief!!  

[bluebutterfly2222]

Glad things turned out well for you!

Best wishes...