Hi everyone. I’ve been reading this forum for a long time, as I have a family history of breast cancer and feel I need to be as well-informed as possible, and you are all so knowledgeable. However, today I have a question of my own.
Two days ago I began to feel ‘uncomfortable’ in my left armpit. I now have a swelling which shows all the signs of being an infection: red, warm, slightly sore and marginally affecting my movement, in that it feels as though I’m holding a small, squishy ball under my arm! Common sense tells me it’s just an infection from an ingrown hair. ‘Middle of the night’ thoughts have made me worry that it might be something else!
If it is an infection I will treat it myself, as I react very badly to antibiotics. If it might be more, I obviously need to see my gp.
I had a clear mammogram one month ago, btw, am fifty and hit the menopause a year ago.
Have been googling (yes, I know, I know!) and it seems that IBC always manifests itself in swelling and redness in the breast, rather than the armpit. However, I don’t want to make a big mistake and ignore something I should respond to, so I’d be really grateful for anyone’s personal experience of something similar. Thanks a million!
I think you are most prob right and it is just an infection, saying that i had discomfort under my left armpit before my diagnosis but it certainly was not red or swollen. Put yourself out of your misery and see the GP then you can relax and get on with your life. Clear mammo was good so do not worry too much. 30 mins in a waiting room to see GP for reassurance is surely worth it. My poor husband suffers terribly from boils and he has a cream so that may be the way to go for you.