Breast Cancer/Lump under arm

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Expert: - 8/20/2009


Question
For several years, I have had a lump under my left arm-pit. In the past, it would swell right before and during my period and go back down afterwards but still visible. My GYN has examined it and is not concerned. When I have a mammogram, they try to take a picture of it. I went for an Ultrasound and the test came back as ok. My concern is, it is now "swollen" looking all of the time and very tender. If everything is "ok", why is a very distinct lump there? I also have very dense breasts.

Answer
This is not an uncommon "problem". I'm only surprised your drs. have not told you what it is. You have an "extra" lump of breast tissue there which happens now & then and is not dangerous (milk glands are actually transformed sweat glands). It is also under hormonal control thus the period changes.
It should be checked together with your breast.

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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.

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