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Armpit Lump - referral to breast clinic

aries17
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Hello everyone,

 

I first joined this forum for support a few months ago as I had a referral to the breast clinic due to several lumps in my breast (one of which was previously diagnosed as a fibroadenoma almost 10 years ago)

 

I was seen by the breast clinic and had the breast in question scanned. I was told by the consultant that they were happy things looked normal. They said they would usually do a biopsy, however due to me breastfeeding, they didn't want to as there is higher risk of infection or complication. They said they were happy to see me again in the future once I stop feeding and/or if I had any new concerns.

 

fast forward to now I have found a lump in my armpit on the opposite side. I booked in to see the GP and had an appointment with a nurse practitioner. She has referred me back to the breast clinic under the 2ww. She said she could feel the lump and that she wasn't sure whether it was a lymph node or not. She said it felt like it was attached to a ligament, which makes me think it can't be a lymph node? Is breastfeeding still going to be an issue in terms of a biopsy? My baby is coming up to 12 months old. 

 

I'd really appreciate any thoughts or advice if anyone has experienced similar. 
 

thank you so much x

  • Offline

    Hello,

    I am so sorry to hear that you're going through this. I'm currently going through it too, as I have a lump in my left armpit. I'm 21 and have just had my covid vaccine; I noticed pain in the armpit since then and then found the lump. The GP said it felt like a ridge/strip and said it was a lump. I'm very convinced that I've got it but I do have hypochondria, so that complicates how I look at things. 
     

    In terms of your lump, it could be a lymph node, a cyst, tissue, or anything like that. I've heard that it could be caused by shaving or deodorant. The pill can also cause things to be tender. I'm not too sure about breastfeeding being an issue, but they can normally tell if something is not right by a ultrasound and mammogram.
     

     I've tried to think of all of these things before the worst case scenario, so please consider them and try not to worry. I always come back to the idea that it's not your fault and that the treatment is very good nowadays. I was referred before and many told me that the majority are discharged without it being bad. 
     

    ive got my appointment on Monday and I'm really scared. Do you know when yours is? Xx

     

    keep me updated xxx

  • Offline in reply to FrancescaIF

    Hi! 
     

    Thank you so much for your reply, so sorry to hear you are going through similar.

    I'm 27 so trying to remind myself that it's very unlikely it's something sinister due to my age, but it's so easy for your brain to go into overdrive isn't it?


    I actually noticed my lump a few weeks before my Covid vaccine, however it did seem to get bigger after having the jab. I'm not sure if that's linked or if it is a coincidence!

     

    I haven't received my appointment through yet, I really hope you get some answers on Monday and it all goes well xxx

  • Offline in reply to aries17

    Hello,

    thank you for your reply:happy: You are very young and so you have age on your side. And as for the vaccine, I've heard lots of people say that the vaccine can make your lymph nodes bigger and that they could take two weeks to go back to normal, so that could be why it got bigger if it is a lymph node. I've got to the point where I just have to stop trying to figure it out and just believe in medicine and hope for the best:happy: I really hope that yours is okay and I'm sure it will be.

    im sure you'll get your appointment through very soon and get your mind put to rest. You're right, it is just so easy to think it's the worse case scenario. Was your doctor unsure about what is was? Mine was very confused about mine and that has made me worry so much! Xxx

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