Painful, swollen armpit

My left armpit looks and feels swollen and is painful although I can't feel any lumps. When my arms are by my side it feels "scratchy".  At the start of the year I had swollen lymph nodes in my neck and I felt the armpit was a bit swollen then too, although that went away. The neck glands were examined with a scope and ultrasound at hospital in June and were deemed as reactive. I have a deviated septum and have sinusitis practically all the time so I think that causes the neck gland swelling. I had a recent chest x-ray for something else and that was clear. My mammogram isn't due until next year. 

Has anyone else experienced a swollen armpit with pain? I'm wondering if it's possibly connected to the lymph node swelling in my neck as it's the same side. I'm not looking for anyone to diagnose me, just wondering if anyone's experienced similar. 

Thank you for reading. 

  • Hi Loubyloo65 and welcome to the forum.

    I'm sorry to hear about your armpit and for the worry this is causing.

    Hopefully some of our members will get back to you soon but if you'd like to discuss this with one of our nurses, you can do so on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m. They can't diagnose but they will do all they can to help you work through your concerns and hopefully put your mind at ease.

    If your symptoms don't improve or get worse, don't hesitate to go back to your GP to get this looked at again.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • I thought I'd post an update for anyone who may be going through similar. I had an appointment with my GP this morning and she cannot feel any lumps in either my breast or armpit, but she does agree there is a swelling. There is also a thickening in the skin near the armpit as opposed to the other side. She is referring me to the breast clinic, which I expected. So, I suppose I'm not really any further forward although I'm relieved that she didn't find any lumps. 

    If anyone has experienced something like this I'd be really interested to hear from you. 

    L x 

  • Hi there..Hope you are well.Im in a similar situation myself.My right armpit feels abit swollen can't feel any lumps..Im beimg referred to the breast clinic..Have you had your appointment.?how did it go..?

    Thanks

    Angie

  • Hi Angie, sorry to hear you're going through something similar to me. I haven't had anything through from the breast clinic yet but I was only at the GP last Wednesday so it's not even been a week yet. Please let me know how you get on and I'll do the same.

  • Hi Loubyloo65

    Many thanks for your kind reply..I see you are still waiting for your appointment.i was referred via the 2WW route.Im going to hospital this Saturday.Very anxious but got to be done for a peace of mind..

    Like you i went to my GP..I had an chest x-ray over a month ago and told it was clear..Fast forward I was informed of an observation..a rounded density near my armpit..that got me really worried..My GP checked me and said she could feel a possible small lymph node.Thats how I got referred.

    The armpit on my right side feels like when you've shaved and there's abit of irritation..like you said scratchy..IV been pressing on it and made the area tender..I guess I'm trying to find a lump but can't feel anything.when I raise my arm towards the light  a small part looks raised but not hard..

    This all cropped up out of the blue..My mum passed from BC so makes it really difficult..

    I hope you get your appointment soon so you get this looked at..Yes will certainly keep you updated.Hope all goes well when you go to the clinic..

    Best wishes

    Angie

  • Hi Angie

    Glad you've got your appointment on Saturday and that's not too long to wait. I came home from work tonight to my letter from the breast clinic and my appointment is 9 November, so a week on Thursday. I'm not going to lie, I'm a bit scared but the not knowing and worrying is also scary. 

    Your symptoms are so similar to mine, including the armpit looking raised when the arm is lifted up but not hard. When I have my arm at my side I can really feel the swelling and I'm not sure if it's got bigger.  

    I hope you are ok and please let me know how you get on at your appointment on Saturday. 

  • Hi Louby

    Yes totally relate to how you are feeling..waiting is indeed the hard bit.. we are taking some action so doing the right thing..

    It's good to hear you have your appointment now..I know with the swelling it's hard to tell if it's the same or more..

    Ill certainly update you on how things went on Saturday 

    Appreciate you getting back to me.

    Take care

    Angie.

  • Hi Angie

    How did you get on at your appointment today? Hope all is OK. 

    L x

  • Hi Louby..

    Nice to hear from you.Hope you alright.

    Yes I had my appointment in the afternoon.My GP had referred me for an armpit lump which was the reason to my surprise as I couldn't feel anything.

    I arrived at the clinic and went through the stages with the breast care team.Just to give you an idea.First it was a physical checkup with the consultant who will feel all areas,then a mammogram and finally an ultrasound.Luckily they didn't keep me waiting too long for the results.

    Thankfully all was okay.Feeling relieved but mixed feelings due to what happened with my mum.

    This was my first experience and I'm happy to say everything was checked thoroughly and the breast teams are very reassuring.

    The mammogram was quite uncomfortable at some points.They take 2 pictures of each side and when you tilt your arm at an angle it's quite firm.But all doeable..

    I was very nervous beforehand but I'm glad I went through the process.Im sure you're feeling like this now but you will be in great hands..

    I hope all goes well at your appointment and try and not worry too much.Always here if you need to chat..

    Take care 

    Angie

    x

  • Hi Angie

    Thanks so much for replying and I am so pleased that all went well and you don't have anything to worry about. That's just the best news. 

    Did they give you any explanation as to why your armpit was swollen and the symptoms you've been experiencing? 

    Thanks for explaining everything they did today. That's helpful for me to know for Thursday. 

    Take care.

    L x