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Worried about a lump in armpit

hakunamatata
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I went to the doctor's a few months back in regards to a lump in my armpit. They told me it was not nothing to worry about and wasn't concern. I went back last week and the doctor found a 0.05cm lump.

I went privately to find they have found a 1cm lump in my axilla. They think it is lipoma but I have a scan next week again to see. Is it something I need to be worried about, ? Will they do further test to see what the lump is and if it is lipoma or worse ?

I have been experiencing shoulder pain and to collar bone. Sometimes a tingling sensation down my arm. It can feel like a nerve pain or shooting pain. My shoulder feels like I hit my funny bone in a weird way. It's not constant but it comes and goes. It feels heavy like I've done weights for a week straight. I feel tired all the time and in the nights nothing major but get hot sweats and feel weirdly lightheaded sometimes. It comes and goes.

My lump, it feels like I can feel it and In my way, when my arm touches the side of my chest /belly When I touch it , it's solid but it can move a bit. I'm just very worried and unsure.

I do have a scan , if that helps.

Thanks 

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     Hi Hakunamatata, 

    A very warm welcome to our forum. 

    You did the right thing by getting this investigated. Hopefully, the scan you have next week will clarify exactly what your lump is. If there is still any uncertainty, further tests can be carried out, to get a definitive answer.

    A lipoma is just a lump of benign fatty tissue that grows under the skin. The cause of these is uncertain, but they are generally harmless and don't usually need treatment unless they cause discomfort or other issues. This would therefore be a good outcome.

    I have had a lipoma on my arm for several years and it doesn't cause me any bother. Try not to consult "Dr Google" until you have the results of your scan. Much of the information is poorly researched, out of date and aimed at the more spectacular outcomes. This won't give you any answers and will only serve to scare you further. I hope that you get your scan soon and that nothing untoward is found.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Thank you so much for the reply. I will keep you updated

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    I have this exact same thing, although I’d refer to mine as swelling, it tends to go up and down. Doctor referred me for a fast track referral which has sent my anxiety sky high!! She felt my breast and thought she could feel a pea sized lump too, I don’t think I can feel it. I get like a cramping sensation in my armpit, got a bit of shoulder pain too, I’ve had the shoulder pain in the past and after a deep tissue massage it subsided. I only noticed my swelling after checking my breast led in bed and looked down and noticed it was more swollen. I have no history at all of breast cancer in my family and I really hope it’s just fat as I am slightly over weight. 

  • Offline in reply to CxB

    Hi CxB,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I am sorry to learn of your symptoms. You have done the right thing by getting this investigated. I know what an anxious time this is. Not all lumps are cancerous. It is a fact that, of all the people who attend the  breast clinic, only 20% will have a cancerous lesion. The others tend to have benign cysts, fibroadenoma, etc.

    I sincerely hope that you'll be one of the lucky ones. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards, 

    Jolamine xx

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    I'm not to sure, very confused of outcome , private scan which was more thorough found a lump, have scans to move it , checked it with NHS and they could not see the lump and wouldn't do any further test. I can still feel the lump , I'm still uncomfortable and so exhausted all the time , to where I'm napping in the day. I'm not sure what to do next or what to think. 

    Something doesn't sit right , now  gained this dry cough and pain in chest that comes and go, could just be a coincidence 

  • Offline in reply to hakunamatata

    Do you think the exhaustion could be caused my anxiety? I mean I’m not sure how you’re feeling but since being referred my anxiety is sky high and I’m certainly feeling different but it’s on my mind 24/7 and causing me to be stressed. If something doesn’t sit right for you, ask for more tests, bloods etc. so stressful isn’t it, I am thinking the absolute worst and constantly looking for things “wrong” in terrified, doesn’t help that I have a massive anxiety when it comes to hospitals as well

  • Offline in reply to hakunamatata

    Hi Hakunamatata,

    I am sorry that you haven't got much help from the NHS. We are all entitled to a second opinion, so when you are still noy happy, it might be worth pursuing this avenue. Did you mention to the NHS that you had already had a private scan, which showed a lump?

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    It's a hard one as I'm now like what is the next step. I did inform them a week before it was seen on a private scan but they had told me that as they can not see anything, they are not concerned and if I'm worried to go back privately instead ?? It's difficult as I just don't feel heard in a way , but I'll keep an eye on it and see how it goes I guess ...

  • Offline in reply to hakunamatata

    It is a difficult one. Not all lumps are cancerous. Many turn out to be benign cysts or fibroadenoma, so hopefully if you have a lump, this could be the answer.. However, you certainly shouldn't have been dismissed like that..

    Do keep an eye on it and don't hesitate to seek a second opinion, if you're still concerned.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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