Underarm lump

I have lymphedema in my left arm as the result of lymph node removal.  I had a lump removed under my arm and they took lymph nodes as well.  It was not cancer.  It is 2 years later and I now have another lump.  This one is larger than the last one. The first one was about 1/2" in diameter.  I was told by my surgeon 2 years ago that I would need have lumps like this removed if I got more, because of their location. That surgeon has since retired. My family doctor is sending me to back to the University of Madison Hospital, but they can not even get a surgeon to look at me for 5 weeks, it will probably 9 weeks before I can have this lump removed.  My underarm area has felt uncomfortable for about 6 months, I could not tell if it was the lymphedema but it felt tight when I moved my arm.  My lymphedema started to act up about 3 weeks ago and I had to start wearing my sleeve again.  Now this.  Do you think that I should wait this long to see a breast surgeon?  My local surgeon will not operate on me because of the lymphedema.

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

Any new lump or similar instance in an arm with lymphedema should indeed be evaluated as soon as possible.  This could be a localized collection of lymph causing lymphatic ducts to dilate.  If left for a long time, this can get infected and would need drainage and antibiotic treatment.

There are also some form of malignancy that can develop from lymphedemic sites called lymphangiosarcoma, but this condition is very very rare.  To be on the safe side, it is best to have this evaluated as soon as feasible.

Regards and God bless.