Breast Cancer/Lump in Armpit

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Expert: - 8/11/2007


Question
I am 34 yrs old and breast feeding my second child that is 2 1/2 months old.  A few days ago I noticed a lump in my right armpit. I have not had much engorgment at all so it doesn't sound like mastis or whatever that is.  They did a breast exam 2 weeks ago at my post partum visit and didn't find anything then.  The lump is about the size of a pea and is a little painful when I mess with it. I grew up in foster homes so I don't know of any breast cancer in my family, but that doesn't mean there was none.  I know I should see a doctor and will, but it is the weekend and I found a minute to look on line while the baby sleeps.  Thanks in advance for your help.

Answer
Well if it is painful it is probably due to an infection/inflammation (could even be a virus) but if you are upset a thin needle aspiration biopsy could very quickly and easily - if available - tell you what it is. Just let your dr. check it. Good luck!

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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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