Tender Lump...

[ozzinated]

I am 18 years old and a couple weeks ago I noticed my left armpit was sore. It went away so I didn't worry about it. I woke up this morning and it is very sore... I can hardly put my arm down without it hurting so much. I can feel a lump where the pain is now... There wasn't a lump there a couple of weeks ago that I know of. It feels pretty big though. I am very healthy and have had no problems with breast cancer or anything before. Do you think it could be breast cancer? Or a cyst? Please help... I cannot see a doctor for another week and I am worried. Thanks.

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi.  I agree with fritscher.  It's most probably a swollen lymph node caused by an infection or an inflammation in a nearby area.  At your age, I really don't expect that lump to be cancer.  You may need to see a doctor sooner if the swelling and pain is progressive.

[fritscher]

I am not a doctor but I have had that too. It sounds like a swollen lymph node maybe caused by changing a variety of deodorant or maybe y ou are fighting a sinus infection or somethin. I was scared when it happened to me but when I went to doc that is all it was was caused by a brand of deodorant with a certain chemical in it