Swollen Axillary Glands

[darlingd]

I'm a 39 yo female in relatively good health.  I recently had a mammo and an ultrasound to determine the cause of a suspicious "feeling" (tenderness/burning) I'd been having in my armpit for the past 4 months.  The mammo came back clear and the ultra sound revealed 4 slightly swollen axillary lymph nodes that had "no specific malignant features".  I have not been able to palp the nodes, but because of the "sensation" in my armpit, I do know they are there and that something is going on with them.  I'm going to a General Surgeon in a few weeks for a second opinion.  I have no other Lymphoma symptoms (night sweats, itching, fatigue).  My question is how common or uncommon is it to have Lymphoma without any symptoms?  

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
You should stop shaving or waxing your underarms for some time. Also, avoid using the anti perspirant. Wear lose, comfortable clothes.
The lymphadenopathy to start to resolve in some time if it is due to these reasons.
If it is still persistent even after a couple of weeks, you should get a clinical examination done by a physician.
The lymphadnopathy could be associated to tight clothing, but it is usually not related to hormonal fluctuations as during your menstrual cycle.
Hope this helps.
Good luck.

[darlingd]

Thank you both for your comments.

I do, in fact, use an antiperspirant and shave my underams.  I'm hoping that's all it is, but am still concerned since it has been about 4 months dealing with this "sensation" off and on.

Is it possible the lymphadenopathy is associated with my monthly cycle as I'm currently menstruating?  Further, is it possible that the lymphadenopathy is associated with an improperly fitted underwire bra?  Perhaps constricting the "flow" of the glands resulting in their infection?  Just grasping straws here...

Thanks again...

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
You could have enlarged axillary lymph nodes if you have used a deodarant, done waxing or shaving in the under arm region. The most common cause of enlarged lymph nodes is infections. Do consult your physician - he will prescribe you a course of antibiotics. If the lymph nodes still persist , then they would need to be investigated further.

[Godofredo MD]

Hi.

Lymphomas develop insidiously and can occur without any symptoms before being diagnosed. However, your findings of mildly painful/tender axillary lymphadenopathy might suggest other conditions as more likely, such as infections.

Other causes of axillary lymphadenopathy include cat-scratch disease, breast cancer, silicone implants, brucellosis, and melanoma.

You should have your symptoms evaluated by a physician.

Good luck.