Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 7/15/2005

Question
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Followup To
Question -
 Hello-- I am 33 yrs old.  My arm pit sometimes is itchy-- and today while shaving my right arm pit, I felt a lump.  It feels sort of hard, and its hard to tell how large it is- but don't think its very big.  When I press on it, its tender.  As far as I know there is no lump in my breast.
I am VERY worried about the lump, scared that its cancer.  Was wondering if you had any input on this. I am going to make a appointment with my family doctor to get it checked- but just wanted some kind of idea if it sounds like its something to worry about..  Any info greatly appreciated.
Tara
Answer -
There are several possibilities. Though I can not rule out cancer it is more probable that it is due to infection/inflammation, for example an infected/inflamed lymph node. A biopsy can if necessary secure the diagnosis. If not cancer treatment should be rather easy. Let your dr. check it! Good luck!

  Hello-- and thank you for getting back to me.  I went to the doctor 2 days ago for my lump.  He said it was most likely a infected/inflammation of the lymph nodes, or oil gland, and gave me antibiotics for 7 days.  I did notice however that I have a pain near my neck/shoulder on the same side as the lump in the armpit.  That pain came on Sunday-- I noticed the lump on Monday evening. Went to my Dr Tuesday afternoon..  I am taking 500mg of Cefzil 2 times a day for 7 days-and he said to come back within 10 days if this doesn't clear up..  I asked him straight out if it was cancerous, and he said No- he's 99% sure its not cancer..  Anyways- I've been taking the antibiotics for 2 days now, and I THINK my lump is getting better.  Its no longer tender when I press on it,, and it seems like the lump has gone down some- although its hard to tell.  However- the pain in my neck/shoulder area(I'm assuming the lymph nodes) still hurts.  Its not a severe pain, more like a mild nagging pain but not constant..  At the time I went to the doctor I never thought anything of that pain-- I did tell him, but I was more concerned of the lump in my armpit more then anything.  I also think that its swollen to.  I am worried about that.  How long does it generally take to heal- if that pain is my lymph nodes??  I'm sure there is improvment on the armpit lump, as that doesn't hurt anymore, and the lump isn't as noticable..  I pressed and felt around and I actually have a hard time telling where it is anymore.  Also-- does the oil gland have anything to do with pain/swelling in the lymph nodes near my neck??  I'm not as worried about the lump anymore, as I am about the other pain..  I'm not even sure if the lump, and neck pain are related(I'm assuming they must be) but I am worried about lymph node cancer.  I do not have any other symptoms.  Any additional info greatly appreciated as I tend to be a worry wart...  Thank you---------------Tara

Answer
The pain as you describe it is normal for a case like this - due to infection. The infection may have started in an oil gland (sebaceous gland) - rather common. If the symptoms and signs are getting better, as they seem to be, it is an indication that this most probably is an infection/inflammation. Good luck!