Hello. I wonder if I could have some advice please? Two weeks after my radiotherapy finished, I have developed a squidgy lump under my arm, about 2 inches by 1 inch. I can see and feel it. I called my Breast Care Nurse but she has advised I leave it another 2-3 weeks to see if it goes down. She hasnt seen it xx
Did you have any lymph nodes removed. I developed a lump like that a while after nodes were removed and still have it.
No, I didnt have nodes removed, but did have radiotherapy to armpit. I had 3 surgeries before they could get clear margins xx
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Hi tracy1
Thanks for posting.
We are unable to say what has caused the lump under your arm but you mentioned to @balchik that you had three lots of surgery to the breast and radiotherapy that included the armpit area. It’s possible to have swelling after surgery or after radiotherapy. For most people this swelling will settle within a few weeks but can take longer for some.
Some people may also get a collection of fluid called a seroma which is usually something that happens after surgery. This normally occurs under the arm or in the breast or chest area. It is usually absorbed by the body over time, which may be why your breast care nurse has suggested waiting for two to three weeks to see if it goes down.
If the lump continues to get bigger, becomes painful or is interfering with you doing your arm exercises, we suggest you contact your breast care nurse again.
We have a variety of support services, which may be of interest to you, both online and face to face. For more details about all of these services, please see the information on the link.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK -prefix 18001).
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Best wishes
Eve
Breast Care Nurse
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