Painful armpit swelling - BIA ALCL?

Hi all

Grateful that I stumbled across this forum today whilst doing what I imagine 95% of us do after having a referral! (Dr Google that is).

I noticed a painful swelling/lump deep within my armpit Approx 4 weeks ago, had it checked by gp on Tuesday and she immediately referred me to the breast clinic on a 2ww (as I am over 30). Naturally, I am now sick with anxiety and worried about the future and potential diagnosis.

I had textured silicone implants in just over 5 years ago, and am only now finding out through my googling that my particular ones were recalled (Eurosilicone) in 2019 in France and Aus over safety concerns, which has ramped up my anxiety tenfold. My wonder is though - has anyone ever been diagnosed with ALCL with no actual breast symptoms? 

my one and only symptom is the painful area in my armpit (referral form from gp has noted suspected lymphadenopathy) - most sites I have read state swelling/redness/pain etc in the breast itself, but I have no breast symptoms.

Thanks in advance, I am trying to remain positive but so hard in these uncertain times :neutral:

  • Hello Missdvl, 

    You are absolutely right, consulting Dr Google after being referred - we all do it and we all then regret it :laugh: But try if you can to resist the temptation to look things up online as Dr Google will inevitably bring up the worst case scenario and give us instant panic. The good news is that most referrals to the breast clinic do not lead to a cancer diagnosis so it is important to bear that in mind. You did well to have this painful swelling in your armpit looked at and it's good you have a doctor who is thorough and has referred you to the breast clinic. It's normal to be anxious as you are waiting to find out more and this uncertainty is making you anticipate the worst when there are so many other things that could be causing this painful swelling. I thought I would share with you useful information from Breast Cancer Now on what to expect from your breast clinic appointment. Hopefully you won't have to wait long now to be seen - in the meantime there are helpful tips on this page to help you cope while waiting for important news. 

    As you are worried about these silicone implants which were recalled over safety concerns, I would suggest you mention this when you have your breast clinic appointment - they will I am sure be able to tell you more about this. 

    Try and keep positive if you can - it won't be long now until you have some definite answers. I hope that you will hear from other forum members who have been in a similar situation before and that they will be along shorly to share their story with you. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator