Enlarged axillary lymph nodes

[mrdog77]

I was sent to breast surgeon by gyn due to lumps in armpit and large hard lump in left breasts.  I have now had three diagnostic mammograms and ultrasounds and one needle biopsy. I'm told my breast tissue is ok. The surgeon said the needle biopsy of a 2cm axillary node appears benign but he doesn't know if he got the actual node tissue or fatty tissue.  I just had two more diagnostic mammograms and 3 ultrasounds last Monday. The radiologist said the she still sees the enlarged lymph nodes in right armpit but she now sees clusters of lymph nodes and an abnormal looking lymph node behind my pectoral muscle.
So, I seem to have healthy breast tissue but suspicious axillary and behind pectoral muscle lymph nodes.  I don't see my surgeon until next Wednesday and this is the only time he would not discuss findings with me on the phone.
Would this suggest breast cancer (even with healthy looking breasts) or more likely be some other type of cancer or condition?  I would love response.  Thank you, MRdog77

[mrdog77]

Thank you very much.  The service you provide is great appreciated!!  Marsha

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi Marsha,

The fluid should stop accumulating within three to five weeks after the operation.  If there is substantial fluid accumulation such that your armpit becomes very heavy and distended, then repeated aspiration of the fluid will certainly help. As for exercise, it really depends on the condition of the operative site.  If it's still very swollen, it might be best to just do regular walking for now. If the swelling is mild, you can probably resume the yoga and aerobics.  With any activity you engage in, "listen" to what your body is telling you (it will accurately tell you what you can or cannot do) and you should do fine.

[mrdog77]

Dear Dr. Roque,  I'm happy to share I did have two axillary lymph node dissections and they are both benign.

I'm writing about something less important but I'm being told different things by different staff members. I have a lot of swelling in the one armpit. I had it aspirated last week and will again next Tuesday.

The PA says I can resume aerobics and some yoga. The nurse says no activities except regular walking.

May I please have your opinion regarding what level and types of exercises are OK.
And, also, should I keep getting this fluid aspirated or if will my body normalize on its own?

I don't mean to take up your valuable time on this question but I would be grateful for your response.

Thank you,  Marsha

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi Marsha,

I hope your consult with the breast surgeon turns out fine. Feel free to write back anytime.

[mrdog77]

Dear Dr. Roque,

Thank you so much for responding to me. I'm returning to my breast surgeon tomorrow. He would not speak with me over the phone this time (as he has always done before), but wanted to speak to me in person. If he feels the excision  biopsy should be done (and I believe that is what he is going to recommend as that is why he sent me for another diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound), then now I know I have the peace of mind of knowing that you concur.

The ones the radiologist was most concerned about were behind the pectoral muscle and I don't know if that is easily accessible or not.

Woud it be OK if I wrote back after the appointment?

Thank you,  Marsha (MRdog77)

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi.  The enlarged lymph nodes in your armpits certainly look suspicious and warrant further investigation.  If some of those nodes are accessible, I think an excision biopsy should be done (which would remove the entire node), instead of another needle biopsy.  This would ensure a more adequate sampling of the lymph nodes.

At this point, we really couldn't say if those enlarged nodes are highly suggestive of breast cancer, or any other cancer.  The enlarged nodes could just as easily represent an ongoing infection/ inflammation near the area.  It's probably best to have an excision biopsy done as this would provide you with more definitive results.