XP: Painful Lump in Armpit

jgilesslp

Saturday I noticed my armpit was sore.  I found a pea-size lump there.  It is tender to the touch.  I have an OB appt. Thursday so I will mention it to her.  It isn't red but is painful mainly when pressed.  You can notice a lump under my skin when you look at it.  I have been doing warm compresses and massaging it but it hasn't helped.  Today I think it may be a little more inflammed.  Has anyone else had this?  Do milk ducts go that high?  I am guessing it is most likely a lymph node and praying it is nothing serious! 

korpisar

I think you should call your OB immediately tomorrow am to see what she thinks.

LnR70707

Sounds like a lymph node.  I had one a few months back and it went away before I had a chance to ask my doctor about it.

theluckiestduo

 Sounds just like a lymph node. I'd try not to worry too much until your Dr.s appointment.

jgilesslp

theluckiestduo:

 Sounds just like a lymph node. I'd try not to worry too much until your Dr.s appointment.

  That is what I am thinking, which is why I am worried a little.  I know there are many reasons a lymph node can be swollen but it is hard not to let your mind think of the worst...

pinkforme

I agree with pp, it sounds like it's a swollen lymph node.  I have very sensitive lymph nodes and they swell often.  My doctor says the usual rule of thumb is if it's tender (hurts/painful) more than likely it's just a sign of an infection or your body fighting off an infection.  It's the lumps/knots that are not painful and irregularly shaped that cause the most worry.  I usually have to be prescribed an anti-biotic if the swelling doesn't decrease within a week or two.  But by all means do discuss it with your doctor.  Try not to worry.

Yellow_Daisy

I agree on the lymph node assessment.  Do you have any cuts or open sores?  Often times if you do then your lymph nodes will swell while fighting off any infection.  Once the cut or sore is healed the lymph node normally goes back to normal size.  I wouldn't worry too much if you're already scheduled to see your doc this week.

Nic&Susie

I had something like this a few months back.  They lanced the spot and took a culture of the puss that was inside.  It came back as a staph infection and I had to take antibiotics to get rid of it.  Defiantly ask your OB about it! 

thetwinkies&Vivi

pinkforme:

I agree with pp, it sounds like it's a swollen lymph node.  I have very sensitive lymph nodes and they swell often.  My doctor says the usual rule of thumb is if it's tender (hurts/painful) more than likely it's just a sign of an infection or your body fighting off an infection.  It's the lumps/knots that are not painful and irregularly shaped that cause the most worry.  I usually have to be prescribed an anti-biotic if the swelling doesn't decrease within a week or two.  But by all means do discuss it with your doctor.  Try not to worry.

This,exactly. Started with me when I was younger and happens 1-2 times a year. In fact, just noticed some swelling tonight, a course of antibiotics normally clears whatever up for me. Good luck!

MsDexter

It's very possible that it is a lymph node and you are fighting an infection. However, I had something similar to this before I was pregnant and told my OB/GYN and she referred me to a general surgeon. He checked it out and had me go back for a recheck after a few weeks and it had got larger and was still bothering me. We went ahead and had it removed and it was just a lipoma (a fatty tumor). Not a dangerous thing some people are more prone to getting these and in different areas. I use to work for the same surgeon and learned quite a bit about them. I would for sure talk to your doctor about it. 

aozmomma

Try not to get upset about it. I know it's really hard not to worry. I have the same thing going on under my left arm right now. I told the dr and he said it was normal in pregnant women, and probably breast tissue, but to keep tabs on it, but not mess with it. Poking it will make it more sore and inflammed. My OB is super laid back though, so I sometimes wonder if he shouldn't let this slide....? I found it while shaving and hadn't had any tenderness. If it is in fact a duct, it will prob get larger as delivery approaches.

catie333

lymph node, your body is fighting off some sort of infection some where above your shoulders. The fluid drain into the nodes.

 

I get them there when I get stung by mosquitos on my neck.