Concerns Regarding Axillary Ultrasound Results
Attention Medical Sonographers and Radiologists—could you provide your observations on my lymph nodes observed in the axillary ultrasound? (Female, 41 years old) After experiencing persistent swelling and growth, alongside recurrent pain in my left armpit and breast over the course of a year, my physician recommended a series of scans. There is a notable familial background of cancer; my mother was diagnosed with invasive lobular breast cancer at 48 and passed away at 50, and my father succumbed to esophageal cancer at 73. In the medical report, it was mentioned that there was no detectable mass, but since the ultrasound conducted three months ago, I've noticed further enlargement in my breast and armpit area. The texture of my skin has also evolved, feeling thicker—adding to my concerns. The swelling, which has progressed significantly, now extends to my groin and pelvic regions, and it feels heavier, particularly on the left side. I had a follow-up appointment with my doctor, who acknowledged my worries and has arranged for an MRI to gain a clearer insight, scheduled to take place soon. Given that I have dense breast tissue, the mammogram provided limited information. I’m reaching out in hopes of gaining any insights you might have. Something feels off, and it’s definitely not improving on its own. Thank you for taking the time to read this; any input would be greatly valued!
Answers (1)
3/22/2025, 6:50:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re going through a challenging time, and your concerns are absolutely valid given your family history and the symptoms you're experiencing. Here’s a breakdown of your situation and some supportive steps you can take as you wait for further evaluations.
Main Points
- Symptom Persistence: The swelling, pain, and changes in skin texture you describe need careful monitoring and evaluation.
- Family History: Your family background of cancer increases the importance of thorough investigations.
- Next Steps: An MRI is a good step for a clearer picture, but it's crucial to also take note of any new or worsening symptoms.
Explanation
Swelling in the breast and armpit can result from various conditions including infections, benign lymph node enlargement, or in some cases, more serious concerns such as tumors. Given your family history, it’s understandable to feel anxious. The increase in size and heaviness you've noticed, along with skin texture changes, warrants prompt attention, which your doctor is rightly pursuing with an MRI.
Actionable Next Steps
-
Prepare for Your MRI:
- Write down any questions you have regarding the MRI process and what to expect after the scan.
- Keep a record of any new symptoms you experience before your appointment (e.g., changes in pain, additional swelling, or new skin changes).
-
Manage Symptoms:
- Use over-the-counter pain relief as appropriate, but follow the guidelines on dosage. If you haven’t already, consider using warm compresses to ease discomfort in the affected areas.
- Maintain a healthy diet and hydration to support overall health, especially as your body is under stress.
-
Stay Informed and Engaged:
- Don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare team with any increasing concerns or questions. Clear communication can help you feel more comfortable and informed.
- Consider discussing genetic counseling with your doctor given your family history of cancer. This could help evaluate any hereditary risks and guide monitoring strategies.
-
Follow-Up:
- Ensure that you follow up regarding your MRI results as soon as they are available. Make sure you schedule any necessary appointments to discuss findings promptly.
You’re being proactive by seeking more information, and it’s good that you’re working closely with your doctor. Please remember that you're not alone, and support from your healthcare team is crucial through this process. If you have any further concerns or questions while waiting for your MRI results, feel free to ask!
Related Questions
Is a Burning Sensation from Mouthwash Common?
I've recently been using a mint-flavored mouthwash, specifically Crest's teeth whitening formula. However, it caused significant discomfort, stinging my lips and tongue to the point where I felt compelled to switch to Therabreath. Additionally, I had come across information suggesting that teeth whitening mouthwashes might harm your enamel. Therabreath also contains fluoride and mint, and while it still causes some burning, it's noticeably more tolerable than the previous brand. For a long time, I assumed this burning sensation was simply a normal part of using mouthwash, as I have experienced similar discomfort during dental visits throughout my life. To manage the sting from Therabreath, I've found that spitting it out before the pain becomes too intense has been a helpful strategy since it's not quite as severe. At this point, I am uncertain if my reaction is specific to mint or another ingredient present in the mouthwash. I have always disliked using mouthwash due to the discomfort it brings, but Therabreath is just tolerable enough that I keep using it. I'm turning to Reddit for advice first, as I would prefer not to visit my doctor only to be told that this sensation is typical and thus wasting her time. Being autistic, I sometimes find certain sensory experiences overwhelming, and it’s possible that I could just be particularly sensitive in this case.
What Could Be Causing These Symptoms?
I’m a 17-year-old female, standing 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 238 pounds. I’m not on any medications, have never smoked, and aside from some broken bones in the past, I don't have any significant health problems. Lately, for the last five days, I’ve been experiencing some unusual urinary symptoms. Each morning, when I go to the restroom, I feel a burning sensation during urination, and it has a strange odor reminiscent of cooked shrimp—definitely odd, right? Furthermore, my urine appears cloudy during this time. However, after I get through that first morning urination, I feel much better; the rest of the day my urine is almost completely clear, free of odor, and pain doesn't accompany it. I assure you, I still have the urge and the need to go frequently—I’m not just feeling the need without actually going. This is entirely new to me, as I’ve never experienced a urinary tract infection before or anything remotely similar. Additionally, I’ve never been sexually active, although I do own a rabbit vibrator that I meticulously clean after each use. Yesterday, I saw a doctor who had me provide a urine sample for testing. Fortunately, the results came back normal. They offered me antibiotics, although they suggested they might not be necessary. I chose to decline the antibiotics since the discomfort isn’t unbearable, but it does have me worried. The doctor plans to send the sample to a lab for further analysis to check for bacterial growth. I’m reaching out to see if anyone might have insights on what could be going on with me. I’d greatly appreciate any advice, reassurance, or explanations of what I might be dealing with. Please feel free to ask me any additional questions; I just want some clarity and support during this anxious time!
What Causes My Sudden Sleep Episodes?
At 18 years old, I find myself unexpectedly dozing off during the day. This occurs at random moments whenever I am seated, even while I am engaged in tasks. These episodes typically last about 5 to 10 minutes, during which I struggle to keep my eyes open. I eventually come to, with little memory of what transpired during that short time. My friends often mention that I fell asleep, yet I am still aware of my surroundings, albeit unable to concentrate. I also ensure to get around 9 to 10 hours of sleep each night, so I doubt that lack of rest is the problem.
Understanding My Lab Results: No UTI Detected – What's Next?
I’m following up regarding my previous post about my frequent urination issue while taking Prozac. On Monday, I visited my physician, and the preliminary results indicated a urinary tract infection (UTI). However, I received the official lab results today, which show no signs of a UTI. Interestingly, since being prescribed Macrobid, I've noticed that my urination frequency has actually increased. I reached out to my primary care doctor, endocrinologist, and psychiatrist, and I’m currently awaiting their responses. Given that my latest test results are negative, I’m starting to suspect that the Prozac may be the culprit behind this frequent urge to urinate. I’m trying to determine whether I should head to the emergency room or urgent care, which is quite a source of stress for me. The bright side is that I haven’t noticed any blood in my urine, which I hope indicates that things aren’t too serious. However, needing to use the restroom every 20 to 40 minutes is quite disruptive, and I’m at a loss regarding the best course of action! Below, I’m sharing my lab findings for reference. Thank you for your help! ### Healthcare Provider Comment "Hi, no signs of a UTI" ### Test Results - **Specific Gravity:** 1.028 (Normal) - **pH:** 7.0 (Normal) - **Urine Color:** Yellow (Unknown) - **Appearance:** Clear (Unknown) - **WBC Esterase:** 1+ (Out of Range) - **Crystals:** - Crystal Type: Mucus Threads (Unknown) - Bacteria: (Few, Unknown) - Yeast: NP (Unknown) - Trichomonas: NP (Unknown) - **Urinalysis Reflex:** NP (Unknown) - **Epithelial Cells (Non-renal):** 0-10 (Unknown, 0-10/hpf) - **Epithelial Cells (Renal):** NP (Unknown) - **Casts:** None Seen (Unknown) - **Urine Culture, Routine Result:** NP (Unknown) Overall, I am still trying to figure out what might be causing this irritating situation.
Could This Be a Blood Blister?
I'm a 32-year-old male, standing 180 cm tall and weighing 73 kg. Recently, I've been questioning whether I've developed a blood blister on my toe following my time playing padel, and I would greatly value some guidance on the matter. Due to my extensive history with racket sports, my feet are generally quite calloused. Initially, this particular area on my toe was concealed beneath a layer of callus and felt merely bruised and sensitive. I attributed this discomfort to the hard skin pressing against the softer tissue underneath. As I began to use a pumice stone to exfoliate some of the dead skin, I discovered a dark patch underneath. The area has become increasingly painful to put weight on, and the entire top of my toe experiences soreness and tenderness. After taking a brief hiatus from playing, the discomfort lessened significantly, but I returned to the court yesterday, and now I'm experiencing irritation and soreness once more. Could this condition be indicative of a blood blister beneath the callus? Should I refrain from any activity to allow for healing, or is there a recommended approach to managing this, such as utilizing padding, draining, or further removing callus layers?