underarm lumps

[gipsyrose]

I am 28 and it has been about 3-5 years that I noticed a lump on my left underarm which is sometimes very painfull. But it disappers sometimes(come-and-go). As I am observing, it appears when I am near to my monthly period then it disappears again. I usualy shave my underarm hair but when I was a teenager I am pulling it with a clip. Do I have to let it check? What kind of specialist I am going?

[gipsyrose]

Yeah, I took a pap smear last year and also pelvic ultrazound but I was adviced to that process not beacause of my underarm but because I'm having irregular bleeding instead. They said it's all normal perhaps it's just an hormonal imbalance. And 3 years ago i've beeen to Cancerologists to check my breast coz it's extremely hurt that time and it runs althrogh my left shoulder where my underarm was affected.But thank God there's no lump on my breast and he said i'ts just a muslce tension. I also ask the Dr about my underarm but he ignored it coz he can't either find a lump on it. Maybe you're right....i;ll just go and check it again if i get a time. Thanks for you advice...i'll inform you about it after the checkup

[newgirl77]

Also avoiding caffeine may help with the "lumpy" feeling.  Some women think it helps, others don't.  But, my doctor did tell me to avoid caffeine since I have lumpy breasts.  There is something called fibrocystic changes of the breast tissue.  The breast tissue can extend into the underarm area.  It is a benign (not cancerous) condition where the tissue becomes thicker and more dense.  It is harmless in and of itself, but it can make it more difficult for a woman to do a self breast exam.  If the lump is close to the breast area, get it checked out just to be safe.  It also could just be an infected pore or a swollen lymph node.  

[newgirl77]

Hi.  If the lump appears and disappears, it is proabably not cancerous.  Your breasts can sometimes feel "lumpier" the week before and during your period.  Many women have the "lumpy" feeling and it goes away after the period is over.  It also could be an infected pore or hair follicle.  I think the best thing to do would be to go to the doctor and ask for a women's health exam.  The doctor will check your breasts for lumps and answer any questions you have about them.  He/she will also do a pap smear test and a pelvic exam.  It's very important to get this exam every year.  It can help detect problems early if there are any.  Like I said, I doubt very much the lump is cancer.  However, since it is obviously worrying you, this is as good a time as any to have it checked out.  Many women also have breast cysts.  Most cyst aren't cancerous, although some are.  I have a lump right now that I am getting checked out even though they said it's probably not cancer.  It's better to be safe than sorry.  Get it looked at, you will feel much better when you do.  Good luck!

[gipsyrose]

Thank you for that information. atleast I felt relieved.I'm really afraid of having breast cyst that's why I am very depress sometimes thinking that  cyst might be cancerous.

[Dennis MD]

Hi.
Usually when a hair follicle in one's underarm does not come out, inflammation sets in, causing a tender lump that usually resolves with antibiotic treatment.
Since you've been experiencing this intermittently for the last 3-5 years, it will not hurt if you consult your primary care physician for further evaluation and management
Good luck.