Anyone please?

Hi [@Rebecca111]‍ I have recently been seen for a lump I found under my armpit. I found it in December and the GP said it was an enlarged lymph node from some kind of infection, told me to watch and wait etc. I went back at the end of March because it was still there. Feels quite hard, kidney bean shape and you can see it when I lift my arm up but it's reasonably movable. My GP sent me for an ultrasound and it's been diagnosed as benign so yes they can, try not to worry. I was the same as you and literally thought I was dying and they were going to turn round and say the lump was some kind of metastatic spread. I think I have read every forum on armpit lumps. However, because I'm just a worrier I have requested a referral to the breast clinic to double check, the gp said it wasn't needed but I have insisted so they've sent a non urgent referral.  
I know it's literally the hardest thing to do but try not to worry too much, also try not to keep poking the lump because I found that made it sore. I'd also sit there and think any kind of pain or twinge I had was related to the armpit lump so I have also spoken to my GP about my anxiety. I had a phone consultation and feel much better about everything. 
sending best wishes x

Hi Emsy. Thank you very much for replying to me. It's great news that your ultrasound showed it was benign. I understand what it's like to question test results (I'm a worrier too) but from what I've read, ultrasound is pretty accurate in distinguishing between benign and more concerning looking lumps. But at least you'll have extra reassurance soon. I was worried enough when I felt one lump but told myself it could be a fibroadenoma or a cyst, but then when I felt the others (3 in total, I think) it really stressed me out. But it is reassuring to hear that your lump felt hard and still shows as benign on the ultrasound. 

Best of luck for your breast clinic appointment (it's sounds like it will likely show it's benign though :) )

Thanks again.

Google is the worst thing isn't it. there's so many other possibilities other than cancer that a lumps can be but I think we just automatically jump to the worst conclusion. Has the GP put you on any antibiotics? Could be a flare up of your lymph nodes due to an infection? My GP also told me stress can set them off! 

I hope your appointment goes well, keep me updated :) 

Thanks Emsy. No, the GP didn't put me on any antibiotics. I think it's because my breast tissue is thicker in that breast too, which is another concerning symptom. But I could feel some thicker tissue when I had my first ultrasound, and that was apparently just normal tissue.

I'm really worried that I've given myself cancer because I drink too much alcohol (have done for years), and have recently learned that this is a massive risk factor for breast cancer :(  Knowing what I know now, I won't be drinking anymore!

Thanks again, and I'll keep you updated!