What Causes Tender Swollen Lymph Node In The Region Of Breast?

Posted on Fri, 24 Jul 2015

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

Fri, 24 Jul 2015 Answered on

Mon, 17 Aug 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Found that a lymph node was enlarged and its bit tender in that area gp couldn't find no lumps in breasts but I asked her to refer me a mammogram and a follow up next week. I'm a nervous wreck can't get the worry that I have cancer my go wasn't to concerned but all I'm reading is saying cancer I can't stop feeling it so it's hard to tell if I'm making it tender or it is feels like I've pulled muscles all around thet area also my other big concern is the day after you follow up appointment I'm off abroad for 2 weeks should I be even going ? The gp when I seen her 2 weeks ago said nothing I had would stop me going away. Mind that was 2 weeks ago I have no idea if anything would change opinion now as I haven't been back to go as I have the tests next wens day

Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Mammogram and FNAC are mandate in your case.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam,

I understand your concern.

I advise you to go for Mammography and FNAC/needle examination at the earliest.

Any lymph node/swelling in the region of breast and arm should be carefully evaluated for the presence of any cancer.

Tenderness in the region is likely to be of inflammatory origin.

I advise you to get back to your physician and discuss the same.

Having investigations at this point can offer you conclusive opinions.

Further management is largely based on test results.

Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.

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

Follow up: Dr. Suresh Heijebu (5 hours later)

I have got mammogram this coming wens day and a follow up Thursday. The other test your saying about fANC would the results be there and then or does it take days or what ? What do you mean go back and discuss it with gp do you mean if I should go away ? Sorry but your reply is bit confusing .im told the breast clinic follow up May do ultrasounds in the follow up to , thank you

Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
FNAC results come out in 24hrs.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam,

I understand your concern.

FNAC results usually come out within 24 hours.

I meant to discuss about the tests(FNAC and Mammogram)I mentioned with your GP .

Get back implies "review with tests and reports to both doctors(myself and your GP).

Mammogram plus FNAC is always more superior to Breast ultrasound.

Post your further queries if any,
Thank you.

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

Follow up: Dr. Suresh Heijebu (2 hours later)

The results will all be discussed at the follow up appointment and if need be an ultrasound and the fanc test may be done. Can it be done on the lump that's just 1cm in size ? I'm just wondering if it's a possibility that a lymph node can enlarge for damage to muscle in my armpit as the muscle is tender in large area not that there is any redness to see. I do a lot of Zumba fitness lots of high impact arm work. It's just a thought I'm having if there is no abnormalities anywhere we look Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
FNAC can resolve the conflicting issues.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam,

I understand your concern.

Yes FNAC can pick up and good results for lump that is 1 cm.

Considering your Zumba exercises,there is possibility of muscle sprain/injury/inflammation that can lead to localised enlargement of the lymph node(LN).

But both these conditions causing LN enlargement(muscle cramp vs malignancy) can be reliably distinguished through FNAC.

Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.

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