Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 10/3/2006

Question
Hi there.  Whilst shaving my armpit this morning, which i do every morning, it felt a little sore in a certain area, i just assumed it was a spot coming up.  Then later on today, i put my hand under my armpit and came across a small lump.  The lump seems to be a little to the left from the centre of my armpit.  It's a pea-sized lump but feels as hard as a marble.  Its under the skin, and does not move around, which concerns me as i thought it would probably just be a spot.  When touching it, it feels tender, and it still feels tender after a while of touching it, but then eventually the tenderness goes away.  I am very concerned about cancer, i have no family history what so ever of any form of cancer, but it does concern me as few people that i know have suffered from cancer, which has very sadly been the cause of a few deaths.  I am feeling very well in my self, but also anxious as what to do.  I don't want to bother my GP unnessacarily, as i know that there are more ill patients that need to be attended to.  What is your opinion on the matter, and how long should i give this lump to disappear, before going to my GP if it doesn't go away.  Please Help.

Thank you
Lisa

Answer
It is probably the result of an infection/inflammation, perhaps in a lymph node there. BUT we do not KNOW that! It can only be KNOWN after an examination! I therefore strongly suggest that you let a dr. examine it! The best way of finding out if there is cancer involved in a case like this is by thin needle aspiration biopsy, so I strongly recommend that procedure! An ultrasound scan can also be made as a complement but can not replace such a biopsy! Good luck!