Does a lymph node in the breast ever go away?

[indiana1971]

I had a mammogram done in March of 2008. They found something, so they did an ultrasound. They said i had a swollen lymph node about 3cm above my nipple on the left breast. They did not seem concerned. They said they were sure it was not cancer. I have worried every day since then. Wondering if they were correct, hoping they were not wrong. I dont know what caused it to be swollen, will it ever go down? I have felt it maybe twice, and i seem to not be able to find it anymore. But at times, the area feels sore, does not hurt. Kinda feels like a sore muscle.


This discussion is related to Swollen lymph node in breast?.

[eli618]

Hi,

I was told after having three consecutive mammograms taken on my left breast plus a sonogram that there is a lymph node way deep in the breast bone. The doctor said she will see me in 4 months to check it again. Does this mean cancer? Could it be I always had it and they never detected it?

[PaulMD]

Hi.

Lymph nodes enlarge for a variety of reasons.  One reason and perhaps the most common is that of infections somewhere in the breast tissue or the overlying skin.  Another reason is that of malignancy or cancer, but you would expect this to be progressively enlarging, and associated with the formation of other breast nodules or lumps.

In your situation, I believe the most prudent thing to do is to have periodic assessments with serial mammograms (every 3-6 months depending on how comfortable your doctor is with the situation) and continue with clinical breast examinations.

Regards and God bless.