Lymph Node in Armpit

[run4you]

I have a lump in my armpit that I think has been there for a while. I know for sure I saw it a month ago, but went through 2 surgeries (unrelated?) and that was my last concern - I thought it was a muscle. It has never been painful, red, 'angry' or anything else. I think it's gotten a little bigger, but if it has, it hasn't grown much at all.

Last week I went to my doctor and showed it to her. Since then, I have had bloodwork (bartonella titers negative - cat scratch), an ultrasound and I have been on plenty of high dose antibiotics. Basically, the lump is my lymph node - a 3.9cm x 2.9cm x 2.0cm hard complex solid mass? And I have other smaller lymph nodes that are 'hyperechoic' - 2 in my right axilla (armpit) and 2 in my left axilla - all roughly 1 x 1 x 2 cm. My lump apparently 'feels' benign and has circumscribed margins?

I have had a low grade fever since before my appendectomy 10/29 that has not gone away. No bacteria, no virus. My WBC's are a little high, 12.7, (supposed to be under 10), but nothing horrible. They were concerned about a 'left shift' in my blood count. Even though they've taken my appendix, the pain still comes and goes... It's bizarre. The appendix was not infected, but the pathology came back 'hyperplasia'. I have chest pain, night sweats (I also had a hysterectomy 12/4, but ovaries intact). My adenoids are swollen so my sinuses are backing up into my ears, and now they hurt...

I was wondering if it's possible that all these things are related? They keep treating one at a time, but I'm thinking there may be a bigger picture they're missing. Of course, my doctor is trying to get a biopsy, but the general surgeon wants an MRI first and all this other stuff b/c it's in my armpit and sitting on a nerve.

Thanks for any input!
Blessings,
Katie

[run4you]

That is wonderful news that it's benign! Frustrating that they don't have any answers for you. Do you have a follow-up to determine what it IS (since now you know one thing it ISN'T).

They tested me for autoimmune disorders, since sometimes they cause lymphadenopathy (swelling of the lymph nodes). Have you been tested for lupus (blood test - ANA - antinuclear antibody I think) or other autoimmune disorders? The systemic kind causes all-over issues. And autoimmune disorders cause fatigue, etc.

Good luck... No cancer = good!

My MRI was Thursday, and it was fine. My meeting to schedule my surgery (excisional biopsy) and the results of the MRI is Tuesday. During the scan I got to meet the radiologist (I've never met a doctor when going for an MRI, just techs... Special treatment!) and got pulled out and repositioned once. Not as bad of an experience as I thought it would be!

Thanks for the update!

[Becky64]

The surgery went well and the doctors assistant called to let me know the results were benign. Still wondering whats going on since something has to be causing multiple swellings without infection.

[Becky64]

Hope all is as well for you as can be. Yesterday I had surgery on the growth in my left clavicle but wont know anything for two weeks. If I could figure out how to work this computer better I would invite you as a friend. But since I don't know, hopefully you will invite me and of course I will accept. As soon as I know something I will pass it on. Even though I don't expect to get any real results, we will be ablwe to see if the excuses are the same. Until then take care of you.

[run4you]

Thanks for the responses!
I am having an MRI next week (Thursday), and the following week (Monday) we are scheduling surgery (excisional biopsy).
I saw my gyn for my last hysterectomy follow-up the same day as my gp saw the lump. She did a thorough breast exam, and said that due to the location - it is high in the axilla - she felt there was no chance this was breast related at all. Of all my doctors, I trust her the most, she is very 'on the ball' with everything and very honest with patients, too (how often do you find a doctor that is great and personable?!).
Should I request a mammogram? None of the other doctors even mentioned a mammogram (and the gyn only did before she saw it, after she said that she felt there was no way it could be breast related). I'm sure if I call my GP she'd order it - she is fabulous at working with me on this.
Becky - our issues sound very much alike. It ***** that medicine is about the money - not necessarily for the doctors, but for the system that employs them. I'll let you know what they find, if nothing else than for you to be able to suggest something for them to test for.

Thanks,
Katie

[Becky64]

sorry iforgot to add to watch list

[Becky64]

There has been a slow enlarging growth both in my clavicle (neck/shoulder) and axilla (armpit) areas for at least eight years now. They have been imaged and acknowledged as clinically felt lumps and thickening more than once. Since I am indigent and do not qualify for medicaid (social security has not said i'm disabled and i do not hae minor children at home), the medical profession does not want to deal with me. In all fairness to them there are thousands (if not millions) of people competing for limited funds for the needy, not to mention ALL the politics in medicine.The doctors also say these are very touchy areas for surgery due to the risk of infection and the fact that nerves ad muscles bottle neck here (clavicle). Now I am a returning full time student and part time receptionist at Tallahassee Community College and simply do not have it in me to carry a larger load. Other symptoms are swinging low body temperature to low grade (occassional high) fevers, night sweats, unexplained pain (ironically along the lymphatic system), nodules on both lungs, leasion on the dome of liver,nausea,fatigue, and more recently leg pain when walking with exertion and round-purple bruises from out of nowhere. However I have had significant wieght gain. Personaly I believe it is bcause I have been reduced from an extremely (physically) active person to almost lethargic. The good side to all of this is that I am learning just what i'm made of. It is my conclusion that the will to survive is the greatest motivation to live. It is very odd to me that I believe we should have the right to humanly put our selves down (Dr.Kor....) the same as we are morely and legally required to humanly stop our animals from suffering, even to euthanization. That is considering how hard i am fighting to rehabilitate or at least maintain an even keel instead of gradually (faster as I get worse) deteriating. So hang in there, keep your chin up, especially when you feel down and remember you are not alone.
Sincerely,
Becky64

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Lymph nodes are small (1-2cm) and bean-shaped nodes. they are very important to your body keeping you healthy. Lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes) is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Other causes include allergic reactions, arthritis, cancer, metabolic diseases, and an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).

Your symptoms(continuous fever+swollen lymph nodes+night sweats+high WBC count) are suggestive of infections like tuberculosis or some kind of malignancy.As primarily the lymph nodes of armpits are involved,so breact cancer has to be definitely probed.I feel that an examination by a physician and investigations like biopsy of the lymph nodes will be helpful.Without examination,diagnosis is tough.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing.