What Causes A Large Bruise On The Breast And Swollen Lymph Node In The Armpit?

Posted on Tue, 17 Apr 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 17 Apr 2018 Answered on

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : My 97-year-old mother has a large bruise on her left breast and swollen lymph node under her arm. The bruise has been there for more than a month. The lymph node swelling developed a couple of weeks after the bruise appeared

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Significant inflammation. Needs attention with a consultant surgeon

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

* As per the size of the bruise and associated lymph nodes under the arm, this suggests underlying inflammation of considerable amount which needs attention.

* My recommendations at present

- Fix an appointment with consultant surgeon on a priority basis.
- Need antibiotic and anti inflammatory medicines to recover early.
- Discuss the need for mammography, FNAC or biopsy report with your doctor.
- Ice application will help.

* If you can provide further details, better guidelines can be figured out

1. Any noticeable changes in the configuration of breast, nipple, areola of the left breast.
2. Any alteration in appetite, body weight.
3. Any history of an insect bite or boil type lesion over left breast skin before the appearance of a bruise.

Hope I have answered your query.

Regards,
Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel, General Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D