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What Causes Swollen Lymph Nodes Under Arms, Pain In Shoulders And Forearms?

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Posted on Wed, 3 Dec 2014
Question: Hello! The lymphnodes under my arms are enlarged and very painful for many months. I also have pain in my shoulders and forearms and it feels like little round balls in my forearms but not even sure I have lymphnodes there. In addition for the last week I have the worst pain in my upper abdominal area and back kidney area to the touch. Drs have ran tests and said nothing showed up on CBC that was alarming. They also ran blood tests for kidney, liver, pancreas that showed nothing. I saw 3 different Drs. Each told me to call back if I got a fever. One told me I had PMR and prescribed me Elavil. I feel like no one is listening to all my symptoms. I finally realized last night through my own research that maybe it's my spleen that's causing all the pain and perhaps I have lymphoma? What do you think? ( ps I do have mammogram tomorrow)
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Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Considerations

Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for sending the question.

You have multiple symptoms and I'm not exactly sure what the primary cause is at this time. I think it is extremely important that you follow up with your general physician for a good physical examination and consultation.

Your physical exam should include major lymph node region examination including lymph nodes of the neck, shoulder region under the arm, spleen exam as well aslymph nodes in the groin.

Usual painful lymph nodes are reactive to something in the environment such as a virus or some type of allergic reaction. However, if your lymph nodes are causing significant symptoms it might be beneficial to obtain a biopsy if your doctor is suspicious that this might be something different.

It's remotely possible that your spleen is causing a problem in the only way to really determine if this is the case is to have a good physical examand possibly an abdominal ultrasound to look at the size of the spleen.

You can have your mammogram done but I think you should also see your doctor again to sit down and talk about all of the symptoms. I'm sorry that you were uncomfortable but I think soon your doctors will determine what is going on to help you feel better.

The likelihood of some type of lymphoma or cancer is small but still something we need to rule out.

Thanks again for sending your question and let us know if you have additional specific concerns.

sincerely,

Dr. Galamaga
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

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

Oncologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 2635 Questions

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What Causes Swollen Lymph Nodes Under Arms, Pain In Shoulders And Forearms?

Brief Answer: Considerations Detailed Answer: hello and thank you for sending the question. You have multiple symptoms and I'm not exactly sure what the primary cause is at this time. I think it is extremely important that you follow up with your general physician for a good physical examination and consultation. Your physical exam should include major lymph node region examination including lymph nodes of the neck, shoulder region under the arm, spleen exam as well aslymph nodes in the groin. Usual painful lymph nodes are reactive to something in the environment such as a virus or some type of allergic reaction. However, if your lymph nodes are causing significant symptoms it might be beneficial to obtain a biopsy if your doctor is suspicious that this might be something different. It's remotely possible that your spleen is causing a problem in the only way to really determine if this is the case is to have a good physical examand possibly an abdominal ultrasound to look at the size of the spleen. You can have your mammogram done but I think you should also see your doctor again to sit down and talk about all of the symptoms. I'm sorry that you were uncomfortable but I think soon your doctors will determine what is going on to help you feel better. The likelihood of some type of lymphoma or cancer is small but still something we need to rule out. Thanks again for sending your question and let us know if you have additional specific concerns. sincerely, Dr. Galamaga