swollen tender side of armpit

I have been referred for an ultrasound (tomorrow) because I have had soreness in my left breast and a couple of small tender, movable cyst-like lumps. I saw the NHS breast consultant last week who examined me, and he told me he wasn't worried, but was referring me for an ultrasound to be sure. I should say that about 6 years ago I had a very similar situation and was checked out fully and diagnosed with a glandular cyst (that I still have and is still intermittently tender. I feel I should give the damn thing a name; it just won't go away!)...

Anyway I guess I wasn't feeling too worried, but then I got thinking and examining myself and realised that the slightly swollen feeling I have had - for many weeks - next to my left breast and on my outer armpit is because it is swollen. I feel foolish that I've not really focussed on this, but on my boob. Looking at diagrams of lymph nodes it's clear that the area I'm concerned about is bang on a lymph node. The consultant examined around there but I didn't raise the issue of swelling as I'd not realised....it's also quite tender when I press around that area and I can't feel any obvious lumps, though I am quite skinny and the tissue always feels a bit granular....I've also got a cold which is likely to make it all a bit tender anyway I guess.

Will tomorrow's ultrasound be able to tell if there is anything going on in my armpit lymph nodes? I've read the unlrasound covers both the breast and the armpit area. And has anyone had anything similar? I'm trying and failing not to worry.

Thanks!

 

 

 

 

  • Hello ECS13, 

    I just wanted to welcome you to our forum. By now you will have had your ultrasound. How did it go? Did you find out anything new? 

    I hope that you will now have some answers and that you will be feeling a little less worried. 

    Hopefully you will also get chatting to others here who have been in a similar situation and had similar investigations. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Dear Lucie

    Thanks very much for taking the time to reply. I had an ultrasound, and happily it was all ok. The pain and swelling I am experincing is hormone-related, as I am peri-menopausal and so my hormones are fluctuating. The radiologist was extremely helpful in talking it through, and reassured me that I had done the right thing in getting it checked out. 

    Best wishes,

     

    ECS

     

  • That is excellent news ECS thank you very much for updating us. 

    You definitely did the right thing to get it checked out. 

    I bet you are feeling relieved :)

    Lucie