lump in armpit

[Mcilvain]

DR. Fernando,  I posted on the 30th about burning stingy sensation in my R armpit. I failed to mention that it is not a continues sensation, it comes and goes all day. It is not bad, just enough for me to notice. I also noticed that there is a lump in the middle of my armpit. My L armpit does not have this. Could this just be a  swollen lymph node?                            Rhonda Mcilvain

[Mcilvain]

Thank you so much for answering my questions, and helping me with what I need to do.

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi.  The right armpit lump may need to be investigated further by means of a mammogram or breast ultrasound.  But do clear this first with your cardiologist to make sure that the procedure will not in any way interfere with the functioning of the defibrillator.

[Mcilvain]

Hi, The one under the left arm was after they put the cardioverter-difibulator in. The one that is under my right arm has been there for a while. Again there is no pain or soreness with that one.

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi.  By "ICD" do you mean an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator?  If so, then I have to ask you another question:  did the armpit lumps appear AFTER you had the defibrillator installed or did you notice those lumps even before five weeks ago?  If those lumps appeared after the ICD was put in, these may indeed be lymph nodes. But these nodes may signify an infection on the site where the ICD was implanted, instead of having anything to do with the presence of a breast tumor.  If the lumps were present even before the ICD was implanted, then these may need to be checked by means of a repeat breast ultrasound or a mammogram.  I'm not sure if an ultrasound or mammogram will interfere with the functioning of the ICD.  You'll have to get clearance from your cardiologist if these procedures need to be done.

[Mcilvain]

I am sorry to bother you again. Since your last response, I had my husband check under my left arm. He found a pea size lump. Is this normal, like another lympth node? And also I just had a ICD put in 5 weeks ago. Can you still have a mammo?  I am 49 years old.

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi.  Thanks for the additional information.  Since that lump is near your breast and has caused your breast size to change, I think it's significant enough to warrant a more thorough investigation.  You may wish to have a breast ultrasound or a repeat mammography done, so you can be sure if that lump is anything serious.

[Mcilvain]

Thank you for helping me with my concern. I did however forget to mention that I  felt a lump in my armpit except it is closer to my breast. My breast size has really changed a lot. The last time I had a mommo was about 9 months ago.. The said there were some clusters, but not to worry about them. Would this still be part of the Lymph Node?

[Fernando Roque, MD]

Hi.  From your description, that lump in your armpit may be a form of skin infection (cellulitis).  This can happen if breaks in the skin of the armpit occur when you shave or pluck your armpit hairs.  That stinging sensation may come from such a break in the skin.  If there is an infection, there may also be lymph nodes adjacent to the area, which may also account for the lump you feel.  It might be best for you to consult with a doctor so you can be given appropriate antibiotics.