Discomfort in Armpit Lymph Nodes
A 39-year-old Caucasian male, weighing 112 kg and standing at 173 cm, with no history of smoking, began experiencing concerns regarding his lymph nodes in July. He discovered a lymph node located on the side of his neck without any preceding illness for over five months. This unusual finding prompted him to examine further, leading to the discovery of a small node in his left armpit. The sudden awareness of these symptoms caused him significant anxiety, leading him to schedule an appointment with his general practitioner. Following the consultation, he underwent an ultrasound exam that examined both his neck and armpits. The results indicated the presence of several notable bilateral axillary nodes, demonstrating preserved structure and increased blood flow. The largest node measured 17 x 10 mm on the left side and was deemed likely reactive, necessitating follow-up observations. Additionally, the lymph node in the neck was also considered reactive. Despite the initial results, he remained apprehensive and requested a fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNA). The findings from the biopsy returned without any indications of cancer, confirming that the nodes were reactive. The biopsy only assessed the lymph nodes from his left armpit and neck. Recently, he has started to feel a persistent dull ache in his right armpit and has detected a swollen lymph node, approximately the size of a small golf ball. This new development has heightened his fears about the possibility of lymphoma. Despite experiencing no night sweats or other alarming symptoms, he is troubled by the thought that while the previously biopsied nodes were found to be non-malignant, the newly affected nodes could potentially be cancerous. Additionally, he underwent a chest CT scan with contrast in July, which revealed no significant findings.
Answers (1)
8/30/2025, 7:55:06 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about swollen lymph nodes, especially given your previous experiences and current symptoms. Given that your recent biopsy results were non-malignant and your chest CT scan showed no significant findings, it's likely that the swelling in your right armpit and the dull ache you're experiencing are still related to reactive lymph nodes, which can occur for a variety of reasons including infection, inflammation, or injury.
Explanation
Lymph nodes can become swollen when your body is responding to something, such as an infection, autoimmune processes, or even physical activity. The features you described, like the persistent dull ache and swelling of the new node, could suggest localized inflammation. However, the fact that there's no indication of cancer from your previous biopsy and scans provides reassurance.
Next Steps
Here are some prioritized actions you can take:
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in the size of the swollen lymph node, any increase in pain, or the development of new symptoms such as fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss.
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Manage Anxiety: It's natural to feel anxious in this situation. Consider techniques such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or speaking with a counselor to manage stress related to your health.
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Follow Up with Your Doctor: Given the new concerns regarding the swollen lymph node in your right armpit, it’s essential to discuss these updates with your general practitioner. They may recommend further evaluation, which could include another ultrasound or a repeat biopsy if needed.
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Stay Informed and Prepared: It can be helpful to keep a log of your symptoms, questions, and any information from your doctor for future visits. Dedicating time to understand your health can help you feel more in control.
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Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Focus on maintaining a healthy diet, staying active, and getting adequate rest to support your immune system and overall well-being.
It's important to remember that being proactive is key, but so is maintaining a balanced perspective on your health. Please take comfort in knowing that not all lymph node swelling is due to malignancy, especially in light of the existing evidence. Let me know how else I can support you!
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