Cancer Research UK main site

Found a lump in my armpit and really concerned.

Cath2020
Offline

I have found an oval shaped lump in my armpit and it is quite big. I have not noticed it before so I was really panicked when I saw it. I went to the GP today and she said to wait six weeks which I really can't see myself doing. She then said she didn't know what it was! Has anyone had something similar to this as I wondered if it was a lymph node enlarged. I am even considering going privately for a biopsy as I can't wait six weeks.

  • Offline in reply to Christmas2018

    Thank you. Glad you were fine as well. It has made me more aware and I will get regular checks now and the monthly self examination which I have to admit I didn't do. Xx

  • Offline in reply to Cath2020

    hi i'm sorry for jumping on this post. may i ask how your lump felt? i've currently got a lump in my armpit that's no bigger than a pea, doesn't hurt unless a lot of pressure is put on it. i tend to wear tight bras and vest tops. my boobs are a bit sensitive but i'm due on my period..i'm only 19. i just keep reading google and only ever seeing the worst possibly scenarios. thank you 

  • Offline in reply to fudge98

    Hi, sorry that you are worried about a lump. Mine felt moveable and firm. As the other armpit felt flat and one felt puffy I worried so I got a mammogram quickly as I didn't want to wait weeks to check it.

    If yours feels like a pea it could be a lymph node and they can come up under your arm in response to a cold or any infections. I wouldn't panic but when you feel you can go to get it checked i would get an ultrasound as the gp will say wait 8 weeks and see. 
     

    Being 19 that is very young to develop any issues so it is very unlikely it is anything to worry about.

    But it will make you feel reassured if you get it checked.

    Good wishes.

  • Offline in reply to Cath2020

    thank you. how moveable? mine isn't freely moving. i can't really workout whether my skin moves or the lump? barely moves regardless. i'm so concerned as everything i read is the worst. and i've read so much, i'm pretty sure the achy boobs are psychological. i do suffer with yeast infections as i have polycystic ovary syndrome. so you don't think there's much chance of it being anything serious? i hate going to the doctors with a passion. my boobs don't look or feel different to how they should

  • Offline in reply to Cath2020

    Also, is that 8 weeks before contacting the gp? thanks 

  • Offline in reply to fudge98

    Mine was a little moveable not that much. I saw the GP fairly soon but then the GP said wait 8 weeks and see if it changes. But I didn't feel good about waiting as I'm a worrier so I got a private ultrasound and my first mammogram. It was all ok but I was really scared as I had read a lot of scary stuff on the internet too. They can't tell from just feeling it but the ultrasound is much more definitive.

    mine was due to hormones apparently, an imbalance and it wasn't a problem.

    GPS are quite annoying sometimes because they mostly guess that's why I tend to get a diagnostic check otherwise it's worrying. You could just tell a GP in an online consultation that you want a referral for an ultrasound. Privately is quick but it's expensive about £150

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.