swollen lymph nodes normal?

Hi there. I have had a lump under one armpit for at least 6 months, and for the past six weeks I have had very noticeable swollen glands in my neck and have been feeling generally unwell - extremely tired and rundown. The swollen glands are worse in the morning and are often quite visible. I have seen a doctor about this who has tested my blood and tested for mono. Both came back fine, although my thyroid was a bit low (I have been on 50mg of thyroxine for about a year, and have just been raised to 75mg) and it did show that I have had mono at some point in my life (EBV). My doctor says that the swollen glands have nothing to do with the thyroid problem, and she thinks they are just a virus which will eventually go away.

However, I am worried it could be more. My doctor felt the lump under my arm and believes that this too, is just a swollen gland. However, why would it be under just one arm? None of the glands are at all painful to the touch. I have checked my breasts thoroughly for lumps and they appear fine. The doctor says it if was something more it would show up in the blood tests.

Other than the extreme fatigue and feeling unwell, there are no other symptoms, though I have had an itchy rash on my arms and legs for the past week as well.

I guess my main worry is cancer. Is this something I should seek a second opinion on or just hold off for a while? My doctor said to come back in a few weeks to see if I was feeling any better.

thank you for your help

[Kevin Pho, MD]

If there is still concern about the enlarged lymph node, you may want to consider another opinion to ensure that cancer isn't suspected.  A lymph node biopsy can be done for a more definitive diagnosis.

Various types of infection can cause lymph node enlargements - ensure that infections around the lymph node have been ruled out and treated.  A test for HIV can be considered as well.  

Another consideration would be to image the area with an ultrasound to ensure that it is nothing more than a lymph node.  

You can discuss the possibility of a biopsy with your personal physician, or obtain a referral to a surgeon to consider this option.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com

[sparrow shaz]

Hi. I too have a lump in just one armpit but it is sore to touch. I am 4 months pregnant and mentioned it to my doctor he checked my breasts for lumps but he couldnt find any thing and he said it wasnt a gland. But i know there is definately a lump. I am particularly worried as my mother has had breast cancer twice. I also have an ache in my shoulder which is the same side but probably just a coincidence.

[crissy_78]

I have a 3 year old girl. She has 3 swollen lymph nodes on her neck and one on her grone. thay have been there for 3 weeks now, I have taken her to the docter. Thay keep telling me that thair just going to see what happens.
Is it normal? Should thay do a blood teast? I'm just curious as to what this might be.

[booboo123456]

A related discussion, non painful lump under arm pit was started.