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A member asked:
What are the characteristics/symptoms of a lymph node in armpit/side of breast area? how do you know if it is cancerous or non-cancerous?
2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Everyone has them!: Everyone has many lymph nodes under the armpit which function as processing centers for the immune system. When anything "foreign" is present (virus, bacteria, cancer), they will enlarge; we consider this enlargement concerning when they are around 3/4-1 inch in size. However, they must be evaluated in the right clinical context: any recent illness, normal mammogram&exam, cuts on hand, etc.
Answered 12/10/2013
5.2k views
See below: Usually a painless lump or mass in the armpit is felt. A doctor should examine the area to assess if it is suspicious for cancer. Commonly patients are treated with a course of antibiotics, and if the lymph node swelling does not subside, the lymph node is removed for a pathologist to look at to check for cancer.
Answered 4/20/2013
5.2k views
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