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What Causes Swollen Lymph Nodes In The Right Armpit?
Question: I am 63 yr old female with enlarged lymph nodes under my right arm. This is a recent thing. I had a needle biopsy and was benign, but radiologist wants me to consult with a surgeon. The lymph nodes can be felt easily by hand, and my GP says that is not anything close to normal. Big history of breast cancer in my family, but I at least do not have the gene, tho that is no assurance I won't get it. Could this just be an infection my body is fighting? I had blood work done about a month ago and nothing abnormal, tho don't know if that would have shown it. I have Type ll, controlled, hi cholesterol (Crestor), depression (long term, medicated for it), and had hyperthyroid, which is now under control. I have lost weight, but I really do not each much anyway. Am seeing surgeon on Tues. Happily married 43 yrs. No other problems. Any suggestions on what problem is? I do not want to have surgery for no good reason.
I do not have reports or films, and all doctors could not tell what it was from them anyway. The thing they said was that there is a "thickness" under my right breast, but it is not clear what it is.
My cat bit me about 5 months ago, which was not the first time, but this time it got very red, hurt, and had puss. Is that too long ago to have cat scratch disease and would that be something that would show up on routine blood work I have done every 3 months?
I do not have reports or films, and all doctors could not tell what it was from them anyway. The thing they said was that there is a "thickness" under my right breast, but it is not clear what it is.
My cat bit me about 5 months ago, which was not the first time, but this time it got very red, hurt, and had puss. Is that too long ago to have cat scratch disease and would that be something that would show up on routine blood work I have done every 3 months?
Brief Answer:
Clinical evaluation and investigations to get a proper diagnosis and Rx
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
Read the history carefully and understood your concerns.
The lymph nodes are in the right armpit. Since the FNAC is negative for cancer, these may be present due to reactive hyperplasia or infection in the right upper limb and/or the breast area. These are drainage areas for axillary lymph nodes.
These can not come after 5 months of cat bite, if at all it was on any of the drainage area.
''Thickness'' under right breast can cause the nodes if it is due to infection and/or cancer. Since you do not have gene for cancer of breast it is no worry.
Cat bite can not manifest so late and can not be found out on the routine blood tests that you have done every month.
I hope the clinical examination of the breasts particularly of the right side as there is thickness under right breast, axillae and the neck by the Surgeon can help to have proper assessment and if there is still doubt ultrasonography guided repeat FNAC or at the most excision biopsy of the lymph nodes can help to identify the cause.
Excision biopsy is the only surest way to know the cause.
cat
I hope this answers your query, please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
Clinical evaluation and investigations to get a proper diagnosis and Rx
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
Read the history carefully and understood your concerns.
The lymph nodes are in the right armpit. Since the FNAC is negative for cancer, these may be present due to reactive hyperplasia or infection in the right upper limb and/or the breast area. These are drainage areas for axillary lymph nodes.
These can not come after 5 months of cat bite, if at all it was on any of the drainage area.
''Thickness'' under right breast can cause the nodes if it is due to infection and/or cancer. Since you do not have gene for cancer of breast it is no worry.
Cat bite can not manifest so late and can not be found out on the routine blood tests that you have done every month.
I hope the clinical examination of the breasts particularly of the right side as there is thickness under right breast, axillae and the neck by the Surgeon can help to have proper assessment and if there is still doubt ultrasonography guided repeat FNAC or at the most excision biopsy of the lymph nodes can help to identify the cause.
Excision biopsy is the only surest way to know the cause.
cat
I hope this answers your query, please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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