Hard lump under arm

Hi everyone,

I found a hard, painless lump under my left arm, around the size and shape of a locket or halls soother, and I fear that it may be something more than a cyst. My doctor has referred me on a 2 week pathway referral, and I was feeling positive and unfazed until I googled (worst thing to do, I know!). I also have had very achy nipples for the past few months, which I put down to monthly hormones.

My first question would be, has anyone else has this and if so, was it more sinister than just a cyst; and secondly, what should I expect from my appointment?

Both my mother and maternal grandmother died in their 50s from cancer (my mother had transitional cell and my grandmother had ovarian and lung as a secondary). I'm 36 and have 5 sisters, and I'm a bit scared at the moment!

Sorry for the blunt, negative post, but I would really appreciate some feedback (more want of a better word?!)

Thank you x

  • Hi DeeLee,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. In terms of what to expect at the appointment, they may do some tests which could include a scan and potentially a biopsy, although this depends. For further information on this point you could always give our nurses a call to talk things through. You can reach them on 0808 800 4040 - Monday-Friday, 9-5.

    If anyone has similar experience to share then hopefully they'll be along soon - do also feel free to browse the forum for other relevant discussions.

    Do try to avoid Googling as this is rarely helpful and the information is often irrelevant or outdated.

    I can understand your worries although try to keep busy and distracted prior to your appointment to keep your mind off it.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

  • hi there,

    i know how u feel as i found a armpit lump a few month ago and google pretty much diagnosed me with the worst! i was petrified.......it was small but hard and immobile, which was the worst kind to find APPARENTLY! so i reluctently went to the doctor and she told me she thought it was just a blocked pore but i still worried until finally it dissapeared after about 3 week!......worst 3 week of my life thanks to the things i read online!.......dont panic its probably nothing like mine wernt, and dont worry about the achey nipples either because if its both of them that are achey then that wouldnt mean a thing as even if it turned out to be cancer its very very unlikely u would feel it in BOTH nipples anyway, just the affected breast xx