Last Tuesday I had some pain in my armpit area. I looked in the mirror and there was a little redness and soreness. I can feel a small pea sized bump...it kinda feels like a tiny little ball...smaller than a pea. It does not hurt anymore but it is still there. You can kinda see a little bump under my armpit where it is located. It feels like maybe it has gotten a little bit smaller. I turn 50 this month. Since it was painful for a couple of days and now it is not...does this sound like an infection? It just appeared overnight. I know it was not there two weeks ago. I am not sick and feel perfectly fine.
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Q: Does this tiny pea sized lump in my armpit sound like breast cancer or an infection of some type?
Answers (1)
8/12/12 7:39pm
Michelle, because this lump is getting better, your idea that this might be an infection seems reasonable. Swollen lymph nodes under the arm are usually an infection. Of course, armpit lumps can be related to breast cancer, so if it doesn't continue to get better within the next two weeks, you will want to check in with your doctor. Also, if the signs of infection get worse, such as increased redness or fever, then call the doctor right away. You might need an antibiotic in that case. From what you have said, it sounds like there is no need to panic about cancer. Just continue to be vigilant.
8/13/12 8:19pm
Michelle, if it doesn't disappear within another few weeks, you might want to see the doctor. As Phyllis said, it's probably a swollen lymph node, or some other small infection; but any breast change lasting longer than a month should be checked by a doctor. So keep your eye on it, and call the doctor if necessary. Good luck - hope it disappears on its own soon. PJH
8/13/12 8:20pm
Michelle, any lump COULD be cancer, but this would not be a typical presentation partly because it is close to the skin and partly because it started as a painful, sore place. Only you know your stress level over the lump and your access to a doctor. Because your symptoms sound like an infection that is improving, I feel comfortable in suggesting you do not need an immediate appointment with a doctor. However, any lump or breast change that doesn't improve in a month needs to be evaluated by a doctor to rule out cancer. Of course, you don't need to wait a month to get this checked.
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By Michelle— Last Modified: 08/13/12, First Published: 08/12/12
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It will be a week next week since I found the lump. It is still the size of a pea. Does not hurt. Close to the skin. It does not hurt anymore. Could this be breast cancer?