what does this mean

[alex799]

I went to the dr. yesterday, and I have to have 2 tests done.  The first is an ultrasound of the right breast/axillary.  Dx:  right axillary tail of ? mass.  I can't read his handwriting.  It looks like speuce?  But of course I can't find any info.  Anyways I am having the ultrasound done on the 21st.  The second test is an EMG right arm.  dx: C6 C7 brachial plexus? intation?  In case you are wondering why I am having these tests done, I have a mass in my right armpit.  It is very tender, and is causing numbness down my right arm/hand.  I am also having weakness to my hand/arm. My dr. thinks the mass is pinching a nerve.  I have a histoy of having lypomas in the right breast/axillary, but this is different.  I don't think that this is cancer, although I don't know.  Has anyone had this, or knows what I am talking about?  I am nervous, and am starting to become scared.  Please help

[Frustr8ed]

alex,
Did you have your ultrasound and EMG?

[Frustr8ed]

I know how you feel! waiting and not knowing is the pits!  No, you wouldn't necessarily have neck pain with a bulge.  A lot of people have disk bulges and don't even know it.  But then again, you might have neck pain and just think it's tension.  Or as in my case, you may have severely knotted shoulder muscles.  I would want an MRI of C6/7 in addition to the EMG, especially if the EMG is negative.  Mine was negative but it got to the point where I couldn't open jars or hold onto a pen very long.  That was 15 years ago, I still get some tingling in the hand especially when I sleep on my arm wrong, but nothing like it was back then.  I do remember how terrifying the whole ordeal was! so my heart goes out to you!
Good luck with your ultrasound tomorrow - please report back.

[alex799]

Thank you for your response.  An MRI has not been ordered as of yet.  I am having the ultrasound done on Friday, and the EMG done on Monday.  I just want some answers.  If I had a bulging disk in my neck, wouldn't I have neck pain?

[Frustr8ed]

Hi Alex799!
I'm can't address the breast problem.  I do know that the brachial plexus is a 'bundle of nerves' that runs down the spinal colum.  C6/C7 are the disks in your neck near the bottom. If the nerves are being pinched by a bulging or herniated disk, you will experience numbness and tingling down your arm and in your hand.  The EMG is to see if there is any nerve damage being caused the the C6/C7 compression.  Bulges and herniations are typically treated with an anti-inflammatory (such as advil, celebrex, etc.) and physical therapy.  Brachial impingement could be responsible for the mass.  Has an MRI of your neck been ordered?  
Saying a prayer for your anxiety.