Should I be worried?

[TXMomOfFaith]

I am 27 years old. This summer I noticed a large lump thing in my armpit area. I went to see my doctor who ordered a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound. They said it was nothing to worry about that it was just a lympo or something like that.........basically a fatty tumor thingy. I have had some basic sorness and muscle sorness in that arm, shoulder, neck, armpit, and back area..........all on that side. It has gotten worse since this summer. Should I be worried? Is this type of soreness a symptom of the c word? If  I had a mammogram in August and it showed nothing, how long is that good for?

[TXMomOfFaith]

bump..........cause I am getting worried

[japdip]

What you are referring to is a lymphadenoma which is a benign condition. These tumors can be removed surgically if they cause too much discomfort. You might ck. with your Physician again and ask about having it removed. A routine mammogram wouldn't be recommended in a person of your age on a routine basis. Breast cancer rarely causes pain but these benign fibroadenomas and also some cysts found in younger women certainly do.   Regards ....

[TXMomOfFaith]

So do you think that since I had a mammogram only 4 months ago, I am in the clear for awhile? Also what kind of discomfort would they cause?

[japdip]

Mammograms aren't ordered as a yearly routine until the age of 40 unless there is a strong family history of breast cancer or if there is a specific problem as in your case. The reason being is that breast tissue in younger women is rather dense and mammograms for routine screening aren't all that valuable. Fibroadenomas and also the cysts that occur as a part of Fibrocystic Breast Disase cause pain and breast tenderness. If these tumors or cysts become very troublesome can, like I said, be removed. They can develop again and often do. Even though this is a benign condition you should never ignore a new change or symptom involving the breast.   Take care .....

[maggiejo]

hi my doctor told me something similar that my lump was lymph or thickening in skin, but i went ahead with a biopsy anyways it came back benighn. the surgion told me it was benighn before he even took it out but for my peice of mind i went ahead with it. and also mine was painfull before my period and was larger during my period. i hope this helps. i am 30 years old. i think that doctors have felt so many breasts and lumps to know what the difference between bad and good is.

[Strike3]

Hi,

A swollen lymph node under the arm can be caused by many things - breast cancer is only one of them - and most causes are benign. I'm not a medical professional, but I have had swollen lymph nodes under the arm (at the age of 24). Thus, I know the routine questions and tests a physician will ask and do when confronted with this symptom.

I'm assuming when you went to doctor, he/she did blood work and checked for elevated white cell counts among other things. And, that these showed no abnormalities. I also assume that the doctor went through a list of questions about possible other symptoms, like have you experienced night sweats? pain in the area when drinking alcohol? Unexplained weight loss? And, you answered no to all of these questions.

If you aren't satisfied with the explanation provided by your doctor ask questions until you're comfortable with the answers. If you can't get a satisfactory explanation, seek another opinion.

Typically, pain is not associated with the bad stuff - and how the node feels on palpation tells the physician many things also. Is it hard or soft? Does it come and go? Those fatty deposits are soft. Do you have other swollen nodes in other areas? Neck, groin? I would imagine that your doctor did a thorough exam. What seems to be missing is he/she explaining the diagnosis adequately to allay your fears. That the pain has worsened since your last exam should be brought to his/her attention. Again, it's probably not serious - but that you're worrying about it means you need more information.

Knowledge is power.