Hi
I went to see my Dr today as my lymph nodes under my left collar bone are very swollen and spongy and painful. I think there may be one under my armpit too but it’s hard to know if it’s a gland or not. The Dr examined the node and said that it’s swollen. He also examined my breast and said there doesn’t seem to be a lump. However I have been referred now to have an ultrasound test of both breasts and the lump. I am trying not to imagine the worse but it’s hard as my doctor (a new doctor as I have moved) was not very communicative.
Is it possible to have breast cancer even if there is no lump? Or maybe he couldn’t find the lump? If it’s not breast cancer then what else could be causing the swelling? Does anyone know? Any why ultrasound?
Any thoughts would be very appreciated as I feel quite alone and am really trying not to start over reacting.
Thanks
Victoria
Hi Victoria,
While you’re waiting for replies from your fellow forum users, here is a link to one of BCC’s publications called Referral to a breast clinic, which I hope will be useful:
breastcancercare.org.uk/upload/pdf/referral_redesign__final_14_feb_08_0.pdf
Please do also remember that BCC’s confidential helpline is here for you, offering support and information. Calls to the helpline are free, lines open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm and Saturday 9am - 2pm, telephone 0808 800 6000.
Kind regards,
Kate, BCC Facilitator
Hi Victoria, hope you found the above link useful. I’m sure your dr told you that nodes can be swollen for a variety of reasons. I’ve had an enlarged one in my lung for 2 years but I have bronchiectasis and often get infections which can cause this. I believe there is a form of bc that doesn’t present with a lump but that’s quite rare. I’m sure your dr is just covering all bases by referring you to the breast clinic - or have you just been sent for ultrasounds? They do ultrasounds in younger women as their tissue tends to be denser so any lumps may not sure on a mammogram (which happened in my case). They can also biopsy the node during ultasound if they think it’s necessary. I’m sure you’ll be fine, breasts can become lumpy due to time of cycle and also infections can cause the same problem. When do you have the tests? I hope everything goes ok, do let us know and you’ll find loads of advice and support on here if you need it. Try not to worry - I know it’s easier said than done. Before you know it you’ll have your appt. hugs Pat x
Hi Victoria
As cass pointed out lymph nodes do swell with infections just that we often dont realise this.
Think the doc is covering all bases which is excallent as then you’ll know for sure.
Try not to get too upset as so often its nothing serious but if the worse does happen then the sooner its treated the better the outcome.
Since finding out I had bc have had at least half a dozen people give me theire stories all of which were fine and the odd one which wasnt are now fine and over it.
Good luck x
I am hoping someone can help me or put my mind at ease. I went into hospital on 12 March 2009 for a lumpectomy. I was lucky the results came back benign. Everything seemed to be ok.
Approximately, 6 weeks ago I suddenly got a lot of pain in my breast that I had the operation on and it swelled up. I had done nothing unusual as I was sat on the sofa watching tv and it suddenly started. This continued on and off for a few weeks and then last weekend it was unbearable. Everytime I moved I was in pain and my breast swelled up. I made an emergency appointment for the Monday morning and the Doctor checked the scarring out. The breast was warmer than the other and I had pain when she touched it. She diagnosed me with a breast infection and as such put me on a course of antibiotics. I have finished the course but I am still in pain, still getting swelling and the breast is still warm. I have a follow up appointment on Thursday.
I am slightly worried, the only positive I am getting is that I had an operation in March and was told everything was ok but this has flared up suddenly. Can anyone offer me any more advice.
Hi Andrea, glad your results were good. Presumably you went to a breast clinic initially, before having the lumpectomy? Might be an idea to give them a ring to get some advice before your appt on Thursday? Infections can go on and on, and sometimes need further and different antibiotics. As with any change in the breast, it should really be checked out. I’m sure it’ll be fine, do let us know how you get on. Pat x
Hi Andrea,
I had the same as you after my lumpectomy. I had 2 courses of antibiotics before it cleared up. I am sure, like me, that everything will be fine.
Hi thank you for your comments. I went back to the Doctors and they have referred back to my consultant requesting an ultra sound. It’s another waiting game.
If I was thinking rationally, I am sure its an infection but you never get rid of the niggling doubt at the back of you mind. Its the waiting bit that gives you a bit too much time to think.
Hi Andrea
I’ve had exactly the same and have been on antibiotics for a month. I had an ultrasound last week and some gunge was taken out for testing. I was told by the radiologist as she did the ultrasound what the lump was was stopped me worrying.
I was reassured that all I had was an infection and a seroma - even though I had the lumpectomy at the end of February. I have a horrible hard lump at the moment and some swelling but as you say it is worrying waiting for results. I’m sure you will be fine.
Lynn
Hi
From what you’ve said it does sound like an inffection. The fact that it was warm is usually a fair indicator - your body is trying to get rid of it so your army of immune cells are fighting it and the heat comes from them working so hard, and hopefully another round of antibiotics will sort things.
Usually doctors give whats called a ‘broad spectrum’ antibiotic which kills a wide variety of organisems that cause the infection and usually does the job, however in some cases the organisem may not be sensative to the one given and a different one is requierd to which the infection may be more sensative.
Hope this helps, but I think once you’ve had a diagnosis of bc every lump and bump can easily strike terror into ones heart.
The main thing that keeps me grounded is that every day diagnosis and treatments are developing and improving.
g