What Causes Swelling In Armpit And Arm After Mammograms?

Posted on Fri, 21 Mar 2014

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

Fri, 21 Mar 2014 Answered on

Thu, 10 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I am 38, with a strong history of breast cancer. In January I have multiple mammograms, an ultrasound and MRI. Luckily everything came back clear. Since then I have swelling in my armpit and arm and continued pain in my shoulder and neck. I can feel something under my arm. I also have a bit of a pull on the right side of my breast. The tests all really stressed me out, and not this is stressing my out. I am not sure what to do or who to turn to? Please help!

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Detailed below. Detailed Answer: Hello! Thank you for the query. I assume that by "strong history of breast cancer" you mean that there was breast cancer in your family. This makes possible hereditary breast-ovarian cancer syndrome caused by BRCA1/2 genes mutation. Arm swelling and armpit lump can be caused by enlarged lymph nodes. Such enlargement can appear due to inflammation (in the breast - usually when breast feeding, in the armpit - if you have been shaving this area recently) or cancer. Pull in the breast area can also be caused by inflammation or cancer. Even if all this tests was clear, you should have some diagnostics again. Here is what you should do: - start with gynecologist consult with physical examination of breasts and armpit - ultrasound of this areas should be next; in case of any lesion in the breast, biopsy should be done - you should also consult genetic and have BRCA1 and BRCA2 tests Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions. Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (11 minutes later)

I have asked for retesting, and my doctor stated that test were just done in January 2014, something would of been seen. I am concerned and wanted the tests redone as well. Not sure what to do when my family doctor will not run the tests. I live in Toronto, Ontario and it is hard to find someone that will give a second opinion without a referral. My grandmother and aunt both had BC, my aunt passing at the age of 50. They will not do the genetic testing because the said the history is not "strong enough". I am very frustrated!!! I dont care if I have to pay to have the tests done...they just wont do it! The only problem with canadian health care!

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer: . Detailed Answer: Well, if the armpit and breast look different than last time the doctor has seen it, you should force him to do at least an ultrasound. If your mother breast cancer was diagnosed before 50 as well or there was any ovarian cancer in your family, you are eligible participate in the Ontario Breast Screening Program. Otherwise they wont do the tests indeed. Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (1 hour later)

Thank you for you assistance. Do you provide referrals to obtain second opinions?

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (15 hours later)

Brief Answer: . Detailed Answer: Unfortunately I can not give you any referrals. Not from the point of this service. You can treat it as an advice only. Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar