Lymph node

[MariR]

A lump was found in my breast and the doctor ordered an ultrasound.  The ultrasound tech told me it was a lymph.  Is this normal?  Why would it be larger and palpable?  I also have pain under my arm.  Could more lymph nodes be involved and what are the chances that this could be lymph/breast cancer.  I had to wait months to get my appt and still don't feel at east with this diagnosis.  What can you tell me about this?

Thanks

[scholar_d]

Hi,
Back in April, I had pain to right side of (R) breast that didn't go away after 1 month. Because I'm now 38 and there is a hx of cancer (maternal grandmother-breast cancer)(my father@43yrs -non-hodgkins lymphoma) I had it checked. An xray and mammogram were done followed by u/s. When going in for results, the lump was about the six of a dime and I was told it was swollen lymph node, to come back next yr for annual mamm. I have had no signs of infection. Since that time, (5months) I can now feel the lump and pain has increased. My question is..How long does a person go with a swollen, painful lymph node before getting rechecked? My Dr. didn't seem too concerned at the time and didn't investigate further for any type of infection. Is it natural for it to be painful for this amount of time? I never usually goto Dr. unless it's absolutely unavoidable. I find this very bothersome.
D.

[garagegirl]

I am in in the same boat.  I found several lumps in my breast back in early November.  I have since had a mammogram, an ultrasound and an MRI with contrast. All of these reports noted an enlarged lymph node under my armpit.  I have been to see a breast surgeon who assured me at the time of my visit that the findings were benign.  However, I have been seeing a hemotologist for some bloodwork abnormalities over the last year and he told the breast surgeon he now wants to surgically remove my lymph node and send it to pathology to see if it is cancerous.  My advise to you, having been through the mill myself, is to keep on top of your concerns with your doctors and have them do everything possible to rule any problems out.  I keep thinking that everything is fine, only to find out later there still may be a problem.  My head is spinning with all kinds of uneasy thoughts.  Please keep us posted on what they tell you.......Good luck!!

[MariR]

I am 36 and was told they wouldn't do a mammogram because of my age (they will do them after 40)  I don't have a copy of the report yet.  The tech just went to the radiologists to get him to view the images and he said it was a lymph node.  This report will sent to my doc.  I am going to make an appt to see her.  

Could the lymph node be inflamed due to cancer?  I guess I want to rule this out.  Is there still a chance that it is a cyst or fibroadenoma?

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

What is your age? Has a mammogram been done? What does the USG report say?

Ask for a copy of the USG report if you dont have it, so that you know exactly what the radiologist has reported.

A lymph node enlargement is seen due to infection or inflammation.

This could also be a cyst or fibroadenoma.

You need to consult your doctor and ask him/her what the probable diagnosis is.

You could take OTC pain relief medications for the under arm pain and try some warm compresses.

Just let us know if you have any doubts.

Hope this helps.

Good luck.