Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Swollen Axillary Lymph Nodes


I started out in January with a single swollen lymph node under my arm. As I had developed an irregular heart beat several months before and had bronchitis twice over the winter, I figured it was just a reaction to the viruses. When I saw my doctor in March, I mentioned it and she immediately reacted. I have had a mamogram, chest CT with contrast, blood tests for mono, EBV, Lupus, Lymes, and Vit B12 deficiency. All were negative. By May, there were two. They were both removed and came back as reactive lymph disease, but benign. Now there are seven more on both sides.....underarm area only. Now my doctor is sending me to an oncologist. What are the possibilities?
5 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Now, several weeks later, my axillary lymph nodes are still swollen and sore and I have seen an oncologist/hemotologist.  Every blood test in the world seems to have been done but they are still sore and swollen and I am tired all the time.

The biopsy only showed reactive lymph nodes.  Is there any thing to be afraid of or will this just pass.  My dr. suggested taking additional B-12 injections (my B-12 level was on the high side already) and taking CoQ10.

I just get the idea they have no idea what is happening.  Anyone with any experience on this?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Now, several weeks later, my axillary lymph nodes are still swollen and sore and I have seen an oncologist/hemotologist.  Every blood test in the world seems to have been done but they are still sore and swollen and I am tired all the time.

The biopsy only showed reactive lymph nodes.  Is there any thing to be afraid of or will this just pass.  My dr. suggested taking additional B-12 injections (my B-12 level was on the high side already) and taking CoQ10.

I just get the idea they have no idea what is happening.  Anyone with any experience on this?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi,

How are you? I can understand how this uncertaintly must be affecting you.

Reactive lymph nodes can occur as result of stress, infection like cytomegalovirus, brucellosis, tuberculosis, herpes simplex, parasitic infections like leishmaniasis and toxoplasmosis. It can also occur in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and Lupus.
Then there are malignant causes like lymphomas.
All these causes have to be ruled out. A through examination by an experienced physician may help. Take care!




Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
The lymph node biopsy came back as reactive lymph disease with atypical lymphocites.  I've had the Chest CT Scan with contrast.  Now the lymph nodes in my groin are enlarged as well.  

All we keep doing is running more and more tests.  I'm very tired.  I do have a neurological disorder as a left over from a car accident 12 years ago.  I crushed my arm and the nerves were badly damaged leaving me with a symphathetic nerve disorder.  It is treated with neurontin and duragesic.  The doctors don't seem to think one has anything to do with the other as I have been on the same meds for 12 years.

Thanks for your reply.  Any other thoughts?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi,

Do you have any other symptoms apart from the enlarged lymph nodes?
It is quite possible that you may have to undergo a lymph node biopsy to rule out hodgkins disease and lymphomas.
The oncologist will probably run some more tests like chest X ray and CT scan to rule out lung cancer and leukemias.
Please let me know if you need more information. Keep us posted.

Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Cancer Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Here are 15 ways to help prevent lung cancer.
New cervical cancer screening guidelines change when and how women should be tested for the disease.
They got it all wrong: Why the PSA test is imperative for saving lives from prostate cancer
Everything you wanted to know about colonoscopy but were afraid to ask
A quick primer on the different ways breast cancer can be treated.
Get the facts about this disease that affects more than 240,000 men each year.