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What Causes Pain And Tenderness In Armpit After Treated Breast Tumors?
I have a history of breast tumors and I have had 2 surgically removed in the past one measuring 10cm x 7cm and the other 6 months later measuring 8cm x 6 cm. I have developed pain and severe tenderness in my armpit and breast (same side) and its beginning to concern me. The pain was on and off but not too bad but now its really painful. What do you suggest? Thanks P
Tue, 29 Mar 2016
Hallow Dear,
The lymphatic drainage of breasts go through the same sided lymph nodes in the armpit. So any infection or cancer in the breast involves these nodes.
Your breast tumours were removed on the side on which the armpit glands are now involved. I believe that the tumours were subjected to histopathology study and it was confirmed that they were not cancerous. Please get this confirmed from your breast surgeon who performed breast surgery on you.
It is not clear from your history about the time lapse between the second tumour removal and development of armpit (axillary) lymph nodes. I presume that they are immediately within few weeks of the tumour removal.
To me, prima facae it appears to be due to the infection in the breast; may be the scar or breast tissue is infected. Secondary of cancer will grow the nodes no doubt; however, they should not be so painful. A course of antibiotics and pain killer should relieve you from this discomfort. Even after a course of antibiotics, if the glands remain enlarged, you may have to undergo biopsy to look for cancer.
However, please report to your breast surgeon about this development and get the cancer growth rule out.
I hope this helps you.
Dr. Nishikant Shrotri
The lymphatic drainage of breasts go through the same sided lymph nodes in the armpit. So any infection or cancer in the breast involves these nodes.
Your breast tumours were removed on the side on which the armpit glands are now involved. I believe that the tumours were subjected to histopathology study and it was confirmed that they were not cancerous. Please get this confirmed from your breast surgeon who performed breast surgery on you.
It is not clear from your history about the time lapse between the second tumour removal and development of armpit (axillary) lymph nodes. I presume that they are immediately within few weeks of the tumour removal.
To me, prima facae it appears to be due to the infection in the breast; may be the scar or breast tissue is infected. Secondary of cancer will grow the nodes no doubt; however, they should not be so painful. A course of antibiotics and pain killer should relieve you from this discomfort. Even after a course of antibiotics, if the glands remain enlarged, you may have to undergo biopsy to look for cancer.
However, please report to your breast surgeon about this development and get the cancer growth rule out.
I hope this helps you.
Dr. Nishikant Shrotri
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