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What Do Swollen Lymph Nodes Under The Armpits Indicate?
Question: Good morning. I have had swollen lymphnodes under both armpits, off and on, for almost a year now. When they are not swollen and hurting, they are still not back to 100% normal. I have had a mammogram, ultrasound, chest x-ray, and blood work completed; the results were normal. At the time of a biopsy, the doctor suggested not going through with it because the lymphnodes were not swollen at the time. I am trying to track it to see if it is related to my menstrual cycle. There are no Lymphologists in Nevada and I am frustrated now and just want some answers. Any suggestions on who to see or what might be the cause?
Brief Answer:
Cyclical nature suggests benign conditions!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about this disturbing information regarding your lymph nodes. The bilateral nature cyclical variation suggests that this is probably caused by a benign condition than a malignant one. If this were caused by cancer, they will never regress and they will hardly affect both sides at the same time unless it is cancer that is evident to everyone.
I think you really don't need a biopsy at this time. I also think you don't need to see a lymphologist(Lymph node specialist) at this time. My recommendations is to take a detailed report of when this happens, time and relation to your cycles(like you suggested), activities, etc. We will review to see if it fits squarely into any pattern or may suggest something worrisome that warrants further evaluation.
Am a bit curious and will like to know what makes you feel so disturbed about this: Pain? Swelling? Fear of some other disease conditions? etc.
I hope this guides and helps. I wish you well. Feel free to follow up with me if need be.
Cyclical nature suggests benign conditions!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about this disturbing information regarding your lymph nodes. The bilateral nature cyclical variation suggests that this is probably caused by a benign condition than a malignant one. If this were caused by cancer, they will never regress and they will hardly affect both sides at the same time unless it is cancer that is evident to everyone.
I think you really don't need a biopsy at this time. I also think you don't need to see a lymphologist(Lymph node specialist) at this time. My recommendations is to take a detailed report of when this happens, time and relation to your cycles(like you suggested), activities, etc. We will review to see if it fits squarely into any pattern or may suggest something worrisome that warrants further evaluation.
Am a bit curious and will like to know what makes you feel so disturbed about this: Pain? Swelling? Fear of some other disease conditions? etc.
I hope this guides and helps. I wish you well. Feel free to follow up with me if need be.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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