Seeking Clarity After Appointment at Cancer Center
I’m a 21-year-old man, measuring approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing an estimated 200 pounds, though I’m not completely certain of my exact weight. The concerns I’m facing began roughly five to seven months ago. Recently, I decided to visit urgent care due to some discoloration around my nipples, which has since begun to extend to other parts of my chest and down my arms. During my examination, I discovered a lump beneath one nipple and additional lumps in both armpits. The nurse practitioner at urgent care referred me to a cancer center, where I underwent an ultrasound today. She indicated that my lymph nodes appeared normal and expressed that she “believes” the masses in my armpits are non-cancerous. I’m curious about what this implies. Why wouldn’t they just remove these lumps to confirm if they’re benign? A follow-up appointment has been scheduled for me in two months. Furthermore, she advised me to see a dermatologist as soon as possible, and I’ve already booked an appointment for this upcoming Tuesday. To address the discoloration, the nurse practitioner prescribed a cream named Clotrimazole to apply to the affected areas, aiming to rule out a potential fungal infection.
Answers (1)
8/29/2025, 8:12:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're navigating a challenging situation, and it's completely normal to have concerns after your visit to the cancer center. Let's break this down:
Main Points:
- The nurse practitioner believes your lumps are likely non-cancerous based on the ultrasound results and normal lymph nodes.
- It's common practice to monitor rather than immediately remove lumps when they appear non-threatening.
- Follow up with your dermatologist and use the prescribed medication as directed.
Explanation: The referral and tests you underwent were thorough, and the fact that your lymph nodes appeared normal is a reassuring sign. When a healthcare provider believes that lumps are benign (non-cancerous), they often choose to monitor them rather than remove them immediately. This approach helps avoid unnecessary surgeries and focuses on assessing changes over time.
Removal of a lump is generally performed if it raises significant concern or if monitoring shows changes that warrant investigation. Since the ultrasound suggested normal lymph node function, your healthcare team is likely considering it to be low-risk.
The discoloration around your nipples that prompted the cream (Clotrimazole) suggests that they are investigating potential skin issues, such as a fungal infection, which is a common and treatable condition.
Next Steps:
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Use Clotrimazole Cream: Apply this cream as prescribed to help address the skin discoloration. Monitor the area for improvements or changes and continue using it until your next appointment unless directed otherwise.
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Follow-Up with Dermatologist: Attend your appointment with the dermatologist. They may provide further insight into the discoloration and possibly recommend a different treatment plan or additional tests if needed. Bring your concerns and any questions you may have.
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Keep Records: Maintain a diary of any changes in the lumps or discoloration, including size, pain, or any new symptoms. This information will help your healthcare providers assess your progress at future appointments.
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Stay Engaged with Your Health: If you notice any new or worsening symptoms before your next appointment (like significant changes in the lumps), don't hesitate to reach out for advice.
You're taking proactive steps by seeking care and following up, which is vital in managing your health effectively. It’s okay to feel anxious, and it’s good to ask these questions and seek clarification. You're not alone in this process. If you have further questions or need clarification, feel free to ask!
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