Lump in armpit swollen lymphnode removal

I have had a lump in my armpit for years, feels as big as a golf ball. I was told it was a lipoma for years form gp.

 

it hurts at the time of the month so went back to doc. Refered me for a ultrasound scan  and nothing showed up, I was referred to consultant and within two minutes he had a feel and said It was a swollen lymph node. He said he could  remove it as it was causing me pain. I've had the op pushed back twice.

 

Has anyone had my thing like this or been through lymph node removal and it been ok. I am concerned I should be pushing for op and worrying they'll find something more. Or should consultant be Able to tell what it is straightaway? Would anything serious show up on the ultrasound.

 

what is the op like and recovery time? 

 

Many thanks

Parents
  • I had a lymph node removed 4 yrs ago the node had been there for ages, It had become sore l waited ages for the surgery it was during the normal period before Covid and it's surgical restrictions on non urgent operations. They have literally closed the wards to this type of surgery at the moment.

    You could ring the admissions department to ask for an estimate of when they may get to you. 
     

    l know how frustrating it is to be waiting and hopefully you will be able to have your surgery soon.

    take care 

    Susie 

  • Thank you for your response. Can I ask how the surgery was? Did you need a general anaesthetic? What was your recovery like? I've had very little chat about this and I'm interested to know how yours went. 
     

    Mine was just 'annoying' for years but as with yours became painful this year especially when I'm hormonal. 
     

    Cath 

  • My lymph node was found by my surgeon years before I had it removed when it became uncomfortable, l had a general anaesthetic and the surgery was as a day case. The scar is well under my arm,  I unfortunately had one of the possible side effects  a leaking node that took a while to stop leaking post op and needed frequent padding by me, not too painful compared with actual breast surgery. I didn't drive for a couple of weeks and without the leaking would have been back at work in about three weeks. I had to wait for it to dry due to my job. My operation was about six years ago and once dry no further problems l am pleased to have had it done. If you need any further help do contact me. 

  • Thank you so much for the feedback. You have put my mind at ease about the operation. 
     

  • I hope l have reassured you that you will be ok. They breast surgeons are great. I hope you have your surgery soon 

    susie

  • Hi, with my surgery only days away, I thought I'd contact you for a little reassurance if possible.

    Did you have a biopsy on your lump? I think I'm just winding myself up that I've missed something or that it could be something more worrying. I feel really anxious about the whole procedure and outcome. 
     

    Thaks in advance.

     

    Cath 

Reply
  • Hi, with my surgery only days away, I thought I'd contact you for a little reassurance if possible.

    Did you have a biopsy on your lump? I think I'm just winding myself up that I've missed something or that it could be something more worrying. I feel really anxious about the whole procedure and outcome. 
     

    Thaks in advance.

     

    Cath 

Children
  • My lymph node was found by my surgeon years before it was removed when it became sore, l have been going to the breast clinic for breast duct problems for some time. lt was just a day case home a couple of hours later with some dressing pads. I would wear a soft bra 24 hrs a day  while it heals might be an idea to buy one pre op. Also make sure you have some pain relief in the cupboard l didn't take many but it's always the middle of the night that you want something like paracetamol or ibuprofen. Take care hope it all goes well 

    susie

     

  • Hi, I finally had my surgery 10 days ago and all seems well. However, I can feel a limo where my scar i, I wondered whether you still had that? It feel like the lump hasn't been removed. 
    im waiting on histology results but they said this is routine. I haven't had any feedback post op and it now slightly concerns me that it feels like a lump, surely they would've said if they couldn't remove it.

     

     

  • You can probably feel the inner stitches they can leave a ridge as there can be quite a few of them, then you will feel swelling and possibly a bit of fluid leakage. This should all slowly calm down so you can't feel anything. This had happened on my breast scars they have softened now

    susie

  • Thank you. It just still feels like the same lump but I've also only really noticed it today on day 10 so hoping that it maybe some kind of reaction/recovery not the lump.