Concerns About Armpit Lump and Elevated Ferritin Levels
Hello everyone, I want to share my experience with a health concern. On January 28th, I discovered a lump beneath my right armpit, approximately the size of a golf ball. Following this, I visited my primary care physician on February 6th, where I underwent blood testing, and I received the results the same day. While all my blood test results were normal, I was informed that my Ferritin level is significantly elevated at 257 ng/mL, which is categorized as high. Since around January 19th, I have also been dealing with severe fatigue. Despite sleeping for 12 hours or more each day, I continue to feel utterly drained. My physician has scheduled an ultrasound of my right armpit and breast, which will take place on February 20th. With two weeks to wait until the ultrasound, I find myself becoming increasingly anxious and consumed with worry. The possibility of serious issues like cancer has been weighing heavily on my mind. I would truly appreciate any insights or experiences the community might have, whether positive or otherwise. Thank you for your support!
Answers (1)
2/8/2026, 8:40:27 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about a lump and elevated ferritin levels, especially with the added concern of fatigue. Here are the main points regarding your situation:
- Lump Under Armpit: A lump can be caused by various factors, including benign conditions like cysts or infections, as well as more serious issues that require further investigation.
- Elevated Ferritin Levels: High ferritin can indicate inflammation, excess iron, or other underlying issues, but it's important to interpret these results in context.
- Severe Fatigue: This can arise from many causes, including stress, sleep disorders, or underlying medical conditions.
Understanding Your Concerns:
- The ultrasound is an important step in identifying the nature of the lump. Many lumps are benign, especially in younger individuals, but your concerns are valid, and waiting can be challenging.
- Elevated ferritin levels, while concerning, do not automatically indicate a serious condition without further context, such as your overall health, additional symptoms, or other lab values.
Next Steps:
-
Focus on Your Well-Being:
- Ensure you're practicing self-care: prioritize hydration, maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and find relaxing activities to manage anxiety, like deep breathing or gentle exercise.
-
Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep track of any changes in the lump's size, pain level, and any additional symptoms like fever or night sweats.
- If your fatigue worsens or you develop new symptoms, note these for discussion with your doctor after the ultrasound.
-
Stay Informed:
- While you're waiting for the ultrasound, consider learning about benign causes of armpit lumps and the significance of ferritin levels to help manage your anxiety with knowledge.
Remember, it’s completely normal to feel worried. Engaging in support networks and sharing concerns with friends or family may help ease your mind until you have more information after the ultrasound. If you have any urgent concerns before the appointment, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for advice.
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