Swollen Lymph Node Left Breast Area...Concerns?

[AmyMarie71]

I am new to this forum and it says that my questions can be answred my medical professionals.  As I was breezing through the forums, all I see are other forum posters giving advice so I am not sure which 'professionals' are on here to give 'solid' medical advice.

I am 37 soon to be 38 this September.  Both my parents are deceased.  My mother died at 59 from Melanoma and my father died from a rare form of Bladder Cancer also at age 59.

I noticed a lump above my left breast (Pectoral region) and started to panic.  Just yesterday I went into my doctor's office and made an emergency appointment for my doc to see me that day.  The area was red and tender because of me pushing on it for a long period of time just to make sure I was not crazy.  It was not tender to the touch once I found it.  It is oblong running north to south.  When I laid down and the doctor did a breast exam, she could not find anything and I told her you can feel it only when I am standing or sitting up.  With my assistance, she found it and she told me it was nothing to worry about and that it was just a lymph node that was swollen.  Also, even though cancer runs on my family, Breast cancer does not and that most lumps in that area of the body (Pectoal) are over 90% benign.

She gave me written orders to go to the hospital to have an ultrasound done (no mamogram) but said it is really not necessary.  She said to wait through another menstral cycle and feel around the area again to see if there is any change.  I am hoping for the best because I am getting married this Christmas and will not have medical insurance until I am added to my future husband's policy.  The written orders for the ultrasound are good for 6 months so I might have no choice but to wait until then.  My concern is how my doctor seemed so calm and not concerned at all.  She did not even ask me if I was sick or anything which infection can also cause swollen lymph nodes.  I'm baffled!

[AmyMarie71]

Again, thanks for the advice.  I did, actually go onto the Susan G. Komen website and called their 800 number.  The woman was very helpful and gave me a local phone number to call in regards to getting free or cost-reduced exams and tests.  She also said that if I can see a GYN for a second opinion it would be a good start but maybe I could get that second opinion for free if I can go through Susan G. Komen.

[japdip]

I would suggest you find some way to have the Ultrasound now ... you might contact the Susan G. Komen Foundation and inquire about funds available for uninsured women. Medically speaking it doesn't look too good to come in with an order that was written several months previous and there is always the "pre-existing" clause in most Ins. Policies. You might also contact your local Health Dept. as many "free" screenings are offered thru them. I wouldn't wait until December ... either it's necessary or it isn't and you might ask your prescribing Physician that question.  Take care ..

[AmyMarie71]

Thank you for your advice and concerns.  The doctor I saw was a GP and I am undecided if I should see a GYN or another specialist of the immune system.  This way if both doctors are on the same page, then I have no problem waiting until I have insurance to get the ultrasound done in December.  The GP was even hesitant to write me orders to get an ultrasound as she seemed it was not necessary...then I hear a story from a 54 year old Stage 4 poster:

"My lump was (pectoral area, at top of breast)and my GYN blew it off, even after needle aspiration.  Had two "normal" mammo's after that and the lump and underarm was swollen still after 1 1/2 years.  Told my GP and he sent me for an US.  It was cancer STAGE 3 and now I am stage 4 (mets to brain).  I am not trying to scare you, it may be nothing, but I would get the US now.  The earlier cancer is found, the better the outcome. Good luck!"

I take it that the above poster was diagnosed when she was about 52 yrs old.  Plus I do not know if Breast Cancer ran in her family, etc, etc, and I am only 37.

[japdip]

To address your first question regarding the Forums: If you click on the Forum List an scroll down thru the "communities" there i a list of "Expert" Forums and these are where the questions are answered by Cleveland Clinic Physicians. There is one specifc to Breast Cancer.There are some Medical Professionals who respond to posts on this Community but they are not identified as such. Now to your "real" question:  Mammary lymph nodes are of no particular concern, especially in the abscence of other symptoms or findings within the breast. If you are concerned I would suggest that you have your Ultraound as ordered by your Dr. It doesn't make much sense to wait when you seem to be stressing over this finding.  Regards .....