Swollen Lymph nodes in arm, cord-like string into underarm and shoulderblade

[ssudjic]

About a month ago my right arm started to develop a stringy/cordlike line from wrist to underarm and yet there was no redness, no blistering. Eventually it got so I couldn't raise my arm without it feeling painfully tight. I've had two ultrasounds for blood clots; an MRI and been on two different antibiotics. I've just had a lymph scan, results of which I'm still awaiting, but one scan clearly showed lymph nodes in my right forearm. There's the mildest sensation of heat, some clumsiness of the hand, and I have had the most phenomenal sweats, though these seem to be abating - and I may have confused them with early onset menopause.
Every time I type 'Swollen lymph nodes' into Google it basically comes up with breast cancer. Could it just be Lymphangitis without any red streaks on the skin?
20 years I once had a break-out of blisters on that same arm, and was treated with antibiotics for the red streak, but this is different since the cord is very painful and when I lift my arm it makes my skin pucker. Anyone out there got any suggestions because both my GP, the vein specialist, the MRI people and the man who injected radioactive isotopes for the lymph scan all say they are mystified.
Thanks for your time

[Mad_Scientist_Saving_Angels]

I know exactly what they are .  Trying to get someone to listen to me.  I have made a huge discovery

[Mightasfwell]

2 or 3 days ago I noticed a pain in my right armpit. When I felt the area I could feel this string it feels as if it is tightened. I'm am interested in your comment and if you don't mind would like to know of your discovery.

[highgreen1]

I had the same issue with the guitar like string from my armpit down my arm and checkering of my bicep and forearm. I did notice that several days before this occurred I had what seemed to look like a bug bit on my bisep the turned yellow/greenish and then faded. I did not go to the doctor until my lymphatic system was involved so they did not see the bug bite. After all the routine testing they could not give me a precise diagnosis but to say that it was very possible that this was the result of the bug bite (perhaps a spider) and that it will need to take its course. after about 6 months the symptoms were all but gone and that was 2 years ago. I hope this helps.

[Mimza]

Hi there... I have the same thing under my left arm, and have come to the conclusion, on my own, that it is Axillary Web Syndrome. Do some digging around on the interweb and see if that helps to ease your mind some. It's always good to know what's going on with and in our bodies :-)

[R8achie]

I also have a 'guitar string' like cord under my arm and I have seen two different doctors and both of them has no idea what it is. I was sent for an ultrasound and they didn't find a mass or anything to be concerned about (their own words). When I went back again the Dr told me not to worry about it, nothing sinister at this stage.... Well that's great but I have this long sore stringy like cord thing under my arm which can be seen under the skin... hello??  She  ruled out an infection and asked me to wait a few more days and then come back if its not gone. She told me to take ibuprofen to see if that helps. As far as I'm concerned nobody has any idea what it is and its frustrating and very much concerning. I would love to hear from anyone else on how they got on.

[vlpaige]

My partner has the same symptoms.  It started with swollen lymph nodes under her armpits (first one, then the other), then the cording started.  The cords now reach down her arm, down her back, down her chest, up into her neck, behind her ear and up her head.  It's very painful and no one can give answers.  Please help.

[Ninanurse]

Hi
Your feed has stopped, I would also like to find out what was diagnosed, I have found the same thing under my right armpit today.

[R8achie]

May I ask, how did you get on? Has this been resolved?

[Lepto]

I just read these posts and have experienced similar symptoms. Did any of you get a final diagnosis for the lymph cords?

[incjewh]

I am trying to have a precise diagnosis for exactly the same symptoms. Had 3 utrasounds for clogged veins in one week. All negative. What's most frustrating is that I am in the medical field and I know for sure it has something to do with a lymphatic vessel.
What kind of cancer was your wife diagnosed with?

Thank you for  your input

[sammarch111976]

I would like to discuss with you please.  I have been in remission for almost five years with Hodkins Lymphoma.  I recently found the aforementioned symptons including the string under my right arm.  I would greatly appreciate your input.

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
You need to wait for the reports and then discuss them with your doctor. A malignancy will need to be ruled out before a confirmed diagnosis is obtained. Ask your doctor about the option of doing a biopsy of the lymph nodes for a diagnosis in your case. Also ask for a mammogram if you havent had one recently? Do you have a family history of cancer? Goodluck.

[KL830]

Please consult an oncologist asap.  My wife had the EXACT same symptoms several months ago and vascular doctors, etc had no idea what it was beyond cellulitis.  Unfortunately it proved to be cancer.  Each case is different and I don't want to worry you, but please get to a good oncologist soon and get a pet/ct scan.  
KL