I found a lump, does this sound serious? - Cancer Message Board

Isaac D · 07-18-2005, 11:01 AM

Yesterday I noticed a large, I guess you could say swollen lump on my right armpit. I'm pretty sure it's not a cyst, because it doesn't really move or anything. It's not black and blue, so I don't think it's a bruise... However, it does hurt somewhat when I touch it. I can't remember doing anything recently that would have caused it... Like I said, I just noticed it yesterday so I have no idea how long it's been there. I'm going to the doctor tomorrow morning, but I'm still a little freaked out and just wanted to see if anyone here could help me out.

EDIT: Oh, and just to clarify, I'm only 16 years old.

BarbieBlueEyes · 07-18-2005, 04:41 PM

You probably just have a reaction to your deoderant or soap. I get those when I use a certain brand of deoderant. Try and take a deep breath and relax. Let us know what the doctor said.
Bessings,
Barbara~

Isaac D · 07-18-2005, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarbieBlueEyes

You probably just have a reaction to your deoderant or soap. I get those when I use a certain brand of deoderant. Try and take a deep breath and relax. Let us know what the doctor said.
Bessings,
Barbara~

Hmm, I'm not gonna rule anything out, but...

The lump is about the size of a walnut and is under the skin, not above it. I dunno though, I'm not a doctor. I hope you're right, though.

valleygurl · 07-19-2005, 04:33 AM

Hi There, Your lump sounds like a swollen Lymph Node. Lymph Nodes can swell when the body is trying to fight off an infection of some origin. When they swell they can be quite tender and will be firm with little to no movement when palpated.

It is good that you are going to the doctor to have it checked as well to ease your mind. He/she may just want to watch it to see if the problem resolves itself as it often will, however, the doctor may even decide to draw some blood to check a CBC (a CBC includes your WBC [white blood cell count]when elevated it is indicative of an infection within your body) to see if your body is trying to ward off an infection of some sort.

Good luck and keep us posted as to what the doctor tells you!
ValleyGurl

Isaac D · 07-19-2005, 08:46 AM

I just got back from my doctor today, and he thinks it's just muscle tissue.

"I don't think we have anything here, I think it's just the difference between muscle tissue. I can't really move it around or anything, so I doubt it's a cyst. Just let me know if it goes through any changes like swelling, getting larger, or more tender."

That's exactly what he said... However, I'm still not really satisfied and I think I'm going to get a second opinion just to be safe. My doctor is rather old, and something just still doesn't feel right about this lump. I was examining it again today and I noticed what felt like a small cyst (it was moveable) on top of the lump. Pretty weird, huh? I at least want them to give me an x-ray, drain a sample of it with a needle or w/e, just something.