Swollen Lymph Nodes

[mjs1876]

I found my first swollen lymph node about 6 months or so ago on the back of my neck. Until last summer when I got my tonsils taken out, I usually got strep throat at least twice a year. Knowing my history, my doctor said that it was probably just a lingering lymph node from all of those infections. Six months later (presently) it is still there. It is about the size of a bean and does not hurt.

About 2 or 3 months ago, I felt a lump on the side of my breast. It is located somewhat in the middle of my armpit and my breast. The bumps/that area sometimes hurts to press on, but I lift weights often and the muscles there are often sore. I went to the school health center about it and she did a breast exam. She didn't really feel anything and said that it is probably just in my muscle and that if symptoms or the lump persists then to come back. I waited about two months and recently went back because the lump is still there. At this point I can feel more than one lump. They are fairly small. Another doctor checked it out and said he didn't think it was anything to worry about but sent me to an ultrasound anyways just to be sure. I got the ultrasound and the results came back completely normal.

While waiting for the results, I happened to notice another swollen lymph node or small lump in my groin area. I also found two slight visible bigger lumps. As I felt around it seemed that it is a clump of little bumps or swollen lymph nodes. I can't be sure that all of these are swollen lymph nodes, but that is my overall question. Could the lumps in my breast that I'm feeling be lymph nodes? If all of these little bumps are lymph nodes, it can't be good that they are in three different places, correct? What are the possible causes for this?

I just want to get a little more information before I go back to the doctor because I don't want to go back if it seems like nothing to worry about. I also find myself very tired a lot. The feeling of severe fatigue comes and goes meaning that it is not every week, but some days and weeks are worse than others. As you can see I'm just a little paranoid... finding lumps on your body is not exactly reassuring!

[zarmar]

Not at all intended to sound like an alarmist, but why not ask to be seen by an oncologist?  It will either relieve your worry or give you a clear diagnosis to begin taking action.  

This is just me, but I prefer to know the name of the beast I have to face.  I come better prepared to do battle and have better odds of prevailing than if I am in the dark or uncertain.

Best to you.

[Mochadelicious]

I suppose the question you should consider is are the lumps actually swollen lymph nodes, or just lymph nodes that are normal size and sit close to the surface of your skin.  Normal sized lymph nodes are about the size of a pea or small bean, and some people can feel them easily upon palpation.  Do you happen to be very thin?  This would probably make this scenario more likely.

It is also likely that the lump on your neck that never really went away is a residual lymph node from a previous infection.  Sometimes lymph nodes form scar tissue within the node that never allow it to shrink back to its normal size.

It's hard to say what those lumps are on your breast.  It is possible to have lymph nodes in your breasts, but it is also normal for many woman to just have lumpy breasts.  I would recommend that you go see a gynecologist and inquire about having a mammogram or ultrasound just so they can decide that for themselves.  It probably wouldn't hurt to mention the other lumps you have.

At this point, I don't really think there is any need for panic, especially since your previous ultrasound came back normal.