Persistent Painful Lump in Armpit — Ultrasound Diagnosis Indicated Tear but Discomfort Continues
Age/Sex: 27 Female Medical Background: Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and early thyroid antibodies. Recent blood tests show normal results. I do not smoke and am currently making an effort to quit vaping. I maintain a healthy diet, exercise every day, and generally consider myself to be in good health. Symptoms & Timeline: - A few months prior, I discovered a painful lump located under my armpit. - The lump is mobile and its form varies; at times it appears round, while at other moments it takes on a longer or thicker appearance, or becomes oddly shaped. - Touching it, lowering my arm, or pressure from my bra intensifies the pain. - There are no visible signs of redness or infection. Medical Evaluations: - An ultrasound was conducted. - The physician’s assistant indicated a possible musculoskeletal tear and recommended taking Aleve or ibuprofen for relief while monitoring the situation. - I have followed this advice, but the discomfort persists. - The ultrasound results did not indicate any issues with lymph nodes or any worrisome conditions. Current Condition (Months Later): - The pain persists, and the lump remains unchanged. - It is still movable, occasionally feeling swollen, and its shape continues to alter. - This condition disrupts my daily activities and comfort. My Concerns/Questions: - How long is it typical for a musculoskeletal tear to produce this level of pain? - Does my description align with a musculoskeletal tear? - Should I seek additional imaging, such as an MRI, or consider obtaining a second opinion? Thank you for any insights or suggestions you can provide!
Answers (1)
9/5/2025, 1:50:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a persistent and uncomfortable issue, and it's understandable to be seeking clarity and relief. Let's break this down:
Key Points:
- Persistent Pain: Musculoskeletal tears can vary in recovery time, but ongoing pain after several months can be concerning.
- Symptoms Monitoring: Your description suggests ongoing irritation, which is not uncommon for musculoskeletal issues, but it may also indicate the need for further evaluation.
- Next Steps: Consider monitoring your symptoms, exploring additional imaging, and possibly seeking a second opinion, especially if your current symptoms interfere significantly with daily life.
Explanation:
A musculoskeletal tear such as those affecting muscles or soft tissue can indeed cause chronic pain. The discomfort may persist for several weeks or even months, depending on the nature of the injury and your body's healing response. The fact that the lump is movable and varies in shape can align with a benign condition, but persistent pain warrants further investigation—in particular, since there are no signs of infection or worrisome imaging findings.
Actionable Steps:
-
Symptom Tracking: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms including pain intensity (on a scale from 1-10), any activities that worsen or alleviate the pain, and any new symptoms that arise. This can help identify patterns and provide crucial information for healthcare providers.
-
Pain Management: Since you’ve been advised to take Aleve or ibuprofen, you might continue this for short-term relief. Ensure to follow the recommended dosages. If you notice that medications are not helping or you're experiencing side effects, this is worth mentioning to your doctor.
-
Consider MRI: Discuss the possibility of obtaining an MRI with your healthcare provider. Given that you have persistent pain without improvement, an MRI can provide a more detailed image of soft tissues that an ultrasound may not fully capture, allowing better insight into any ongoing issues.
-
Second Opinion: If symptoms persist or worsen, consider seeking a second opinion from another physician, perhaps a specialist in musculoskeletal conditions or a rheumatologist who can provide a fresh perspective on your situation and suggest additional tests if necessary.
-
Physical Activity Adjustment: While maintaining physical activity is great, consider modifying your routine to avoid any exercises that exacerbate your pain. Sometimes gentle stretching or physical therapy can aid recovery without adding strain.
It's clear that you're taking proactive steps toward understanding and managing your discomfort, and I encourage you to continue doing so. Make sure to advocate for your health, and don't hesitate to reach out for further evaluations if the pain continues to disrupt your life.
Related Questions
Braved the Cold Without Gloves at -20
19-year-old from Toronto here. After being outside in frigid temperatures, I've returned home feeling quite cold. My right hand is experiencing numbness and tingling in the fingertips. What steps should I take? It's been around 7 to 8 hours since I was outdoors.
Managing Early Appendicitis: Antibiotics vs. Surgery
I’m a 21-year-old who recently had a CT scan revealing mild inflammation in my appendix and lymph nodes. My doctor informed me that surgery might not be necessary if the antibiotics effectively alleviate my discomfort by tomorrow. However, I can’t shake my fears about a potential recurrence of the inflammation. The thought of going through a post-surgery recovery terrifies me, so I really want to steer clear of that option. Has anyone opted for antibiotics rather than surgical intervention? What was your experience like?
Severe Abdominal Discomfort
An 18-year-old male, with no history of smoking or current medications, finds himself at home, surrounded by his sleeping family. He stands approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs around 220 pounds. Lately, he has been experiencing persistent discomfort in the lower left side of his abdomen. This sensation has intensified recently, culminating in a bout of vomiting, which was notably different this time, presenting more solid material rather than the usual liquid with some fragments. The level of pain has escalated significantly, leaving him uncertain about seeking medical assistance at this moment. What steps should he take?
Concerns Over My Partner's Persistent Pain and Resistance to Seek Medical Help
I’m facing a worrying situation with my partner, a 40-year-old man who stands 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs approximately 19 stone. Here's a brief overview of his medical background: Twenty years ago, he experienced two instances of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his left shoulder. Following the second incident, doctors discovered an abnormal growth of a rib that was pressing against a vein, which was the cause of those DVTs. More recently, he dealt with a blood clot in his calf last year. Fortunately, that was successfully treated, and he returned to his normal health. Although he was advised to continue taking apixaban for the long term, he has, unfortunately, chosen not to follow through with this guidance. He also has a history of elevated blood pressure. For the past couple of days, he has been experiencing two concerning symptoms that emerged simultaneously: a persistent cough with no accompanying cold or flu signs, and a severe pain located on the right side of his torso. He describes this discomfort as being mostly in his stomach yet extending slightly to his back. I would pinpoint the troubled area as the lower part of his ribs along the side of his body. It's unusual for him to express discomfort or complain about his health, so his recent grievances signal to me that the pain is likely quite significant. Despite my repeated suggestions for him to visit a doctor, he insists that he may have simply pulled a muscle. To manage the pain, he's been applying an ibuprofen cream (voltarol) and taking naproxen, but neither seems to provide relief. What might be the underlying issue here? I hope that some medical professionals who see this post can offer their insights, which might persuade him to consider making a doctor’s appointment. I’m open to providing any additional information you might require for a more informed perspective. Thank you for your help!
Struggling with Bleeding and Pain Since Christmas
I'm a 27-year-old woman from the UK, and I've reached a point of exasperation. I'm reaching out because I hope someone can provide insight or guidance on what I should discuss with my doctors. Please excuse any grammar or spelling errors as I have dyslexia. I've been diagnosed with endometriosis and underwent surgery in 2022 for confirmation of that diagnosis. On December 15th, I had my birth control implant removed after nearly two years. During that period, I experienced severe menstrual cramps and PMS. My GP started me on Drospirenone 3mg and Estetrol 14.2mg COCP in October to alleviate these symptoms and suppress my periods, which provided some relief. Prior to this situation, I occasionally dealt with flare-ups that typically lasted a few days or up to a week. To help manage the discomfort, I have been prescribed Duloxetine at a dosage of 90mg. I had an ultrasound earlier this summer, and the results came back normal. Currently, I am awaiting an MRI. Last year, my smear test results were also clear. After the removal of my implant in December, I began bleeding on Christmas Eve. Initially, I could manage with just a panty liner, but over the next few weeks, the bleeding intensified, requiring the use of pads due to increased blood flow and blood clots. Given my history with endometriosis, pain isn't unfamiliar to me; my average pain level is around a 4, but it has recently escalated to 7 or 8. In the past couple of weeks, the discomfort has worsened. My job demands physical activity, and bending over now causes pain in my back and legs. Additionally, I experience discomfort when my bladder fills, and urination is painful, although it doesn't feel like a urinary tract infection. I've also been waking up at night to use the restroom. My doctor performed a urine dip test that showed no signs of infection, though there was blood in my urine, which he indicated was to be expected. Recently, my GP prescribed Tranexamic acid 500mg and Mefenamic acid 500mg, which helped with the blood clots, but I'm still experiencing bleeding and significant pain. I've been diligent about taking my medication, treating it like a strict regimen. I returned to the GP, who referred me for another ultrasound and advised me to go to A&E if the pain worsens. I've been resting as much as possible while still trying to maintain some level of activity, but it hasn't provided much relief. Any assistance or advice would be immensely appreciated! Thank you!