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Breast Cancer/lump found under arm above armpit

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Expert: - 5/9/2008


Question
Hi, I am a 4 1/2 year breast cancer survivor. I had a 1 cm tumor grade 3. My cancer was triple negative and they found microscopic metasis in my lymph node (only one). I had a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation.They staged my cancer at stage 1B? I just found on the same side as the cancer, a lump under my arm, a little above the armpit. It is about 2 inches around and it is not hard, and does not cause pain. I saw my oncologist, and he says it does not worry him, come back in 6 weeks to see if it has changed at all. I am still worried, as I wait to see what he decides in 6 weeks. Should I suggest a test be done then? When he examined me for the lump, he basically just concentrated on feeling my ribs on the sides of the breasts. Could it be a recurrance in my armpit? Thank you.

Answer
Well I would have ordered a thin /fine needle aspiration biopsy at once to find out what that lump is to see if your breast cancer was involved in any way. It is such an easy, quick and simple procedure that I do not understand why you should have to wait 6 weeks for another check up - and then even some more waiting! If I were you I would demand that test immediately!

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Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D.

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I`m a doctor of medicine and a specialist in radiation therapy and medical oncology. I have long experience in diagnostics and treatment of breast tumours.

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I'm a Doctor of Medicine and specialist in Medical Oncology and Radiation Therapy educated & trained in Sweden. Now retired. Background in Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Gynecological Oncology, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Cytology,Hematology and Internal Medicine. M.D. from the faculty of medicine, Royal Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Have also been an exchange student at the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem Israel. Former medical consultant, Swedish National Board of Radiation Protection. Former Police Surgeon and Medical Examiner, Stockholm Police Department. Former Chief Medical Officer, The Royal Guards, The Royal Horse Guards and the Royal Household Brigade, Royal Swedish Army Medical Corps.You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128 I have no restrictions on the number of questions there.

I also answer questions about Oncology (General Cancer), General History, Military History, Brain Tumors, Colon Cancer

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I'm a medical doctor and specialist in medical oncology and radiation therapy.

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