OpenHealth Q&A

Armpit Lumps and Frustration

I'm writing this to express my feelings of being dismissed by healthcare professionals. No matter which doctor I consult, I often walk away feeling unheard and confused about the next steps to take. I apologize for the lengthy explanation, but it's important to share my story. I have been diagnosed with Crohn's disease and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and my rheumatologist has alluded to several other potential issues, although none are confirmed at this time. In August 2024, when I was just 24, I felt an overwhelming sense of fatigue and discomfort. I discovered painful lumps forming from my right armpit extending down toward my breast. Initially, these lumps appeared in my right arm and resolved within three weeks, which gave me a sense of relief. However, shortly after, a similar situation arose on the left side, bringing back the same exhaustion and discomfort. Over time, the occurrences of these lumps have increased, both in size and frequency, and they alternate sides, leading me to suspect they might be caused by soaps, foods, or some external factors. In an effort to pinpoint the cause, I eliminated various allergens and other possible irritants from my diet and personal care products. By March 2025, the pain from these lumps became so intense that I struggled to move my arms, as they are located deep within my armpit. My suspicion is that these uncomfortable lumps are lymph nodes, which at times feel solid and sometimes appear reddish-blue. I opted to discuss my concerns with my healthcare provider at work. To my disappointment, she dismissed my worries, suggesting my symptoms were likely benign lymph nodes reacting to an infection. I felt belittled—she didn’t even conduct a physical examination, made me share my experiences openly in front of colleagues, and kept me waiting for three hours just for a brief conversation that left me feeling like I was just consulting Dr. Google. Despite my attempts to advocate for myself—including requesting imaging—she provided a referral for an ultrasound but failed to explain what that might reveal, leaving me feeling dismissed. Two weeks later, I decided to bring the issue to my endocrinologist during a visit about my weight loss journey. He examined the lumps, but given their small size at that moment, he downplayed my concerns, once again leaving me feeling invalidated. He pointed out that my CBC and metabolic panel were normal, indicating there's likely nothing serious to worry about. I recognize I can occasionally have anxious thoughts about my health, yet considering my autoimmune conditions and family history—with a grandfather who succumbed to cancer and an aunt who experienced the same—I felt it crucial to convey this context to my medical team. Today, I still have those lumps, and I've noticed a new one appearing overnight in my left armpit, located near my upper arm. It’s about the size of a quarter, somewhat soft, and pain-free, but there's noticeable discoloration. I am at a loss—what steps should I take next? How can I ensure my concerns are taken seriously? To complicate matters, my gynecologist has declined to refer me for a mammogram or further investigation. I am feeling anxious about this situation and would appreciate any advice or support. Thank you!

Answers (1)

7/7/2025, 12:20:42 AM

OpenHealth AI

I understand how distressing and frustrating it can be to feel dismissed by healthcare professionals, especially when dealing with multiple chronic conditions and new symptoms. Your experience of painful lumps in your armpits, coupled with fatigue and discomfort, is indeed concerning, and it's important for your concerns to be taken seriously. Here’s some guidance on how to proceed from here.

Main Points:

1. Monitor and document your symptoms and their context.
2. Consider seeking a specialist’s opinion.
3. Know your rights to appropriate care and second opinions.

Explanation:

The lumps you're noticing in your armpits could very likely be reactive lymph nodes, especially given your history and current autoimmune conditions. Lymph nodes can swell in response to infections or inflammation, but since you've experienced persistent pain, fatigue, and now new lumps, further investigation is warranted.

It's understandable to feel anxious, especially with a family history of cancer and unresolved medical issues. The lack of thorough evaluation from healthcare professionals can add to the frustration. You are not alone in feeling this way, and it's essential to keep advocating for your health.

Next Steps:

1. Symptom Diary: Start a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting the size, number, and appearance of lumps, any associated pain, and any other symptoms like fever or fatigue. Also track any potential triggers, such as new soaps or foods you try. This documentation can help clarify patterns and provide crucial information for your healthcare team.

2. Sought Specialist Referral: If you're comfortable, continue pushing for a physical examination and possibly imaging (like an ultrasound or MRI) from your primary care physician or a referral to a specialist like an oncologist or hematologist. Having a detailed list of your experiences may help your case.

3. Communicate Concerns: When you have appointments, express your distress clearly. You might say something like, "I understand routine tests are normal, but due to my medical history and changing symptoms, I request further evaluation to rule out any serious conditions." This assertiveness can sometimes enhance your treatment path.

4. Consider a Second Opinion: If you continue to feel dismissed, seeking a second opinion from another physician can be beneficial. Look for doctors specializing in rheumatology, lymphatic conditions, or other related fields, as they may be more attuned to your symptoms.

5. Explore Mental Health Support: Managing chronic illness and anxiety can be mentally exhausting. Talking to a counselor or therapist familiar with chronic conditions may help you cope better and develop strategies for healthcare advocacy.

We want you to feel heard and supported. Don't hesitate to ask more questions or share your feelings—your health matters, and you deserve thorough, compassionate care. Please keep me updated on your progress or if you need more assistance.