Hard Lumps in Armpit Lymph Nodes: Is It Cancer?

There is a hard lump in the axillary lymph nodes?

I discovered a hard lump in my axillary lymph nodes about six months ago, accompanied by pain.
I went to the hospital, and an ultrasound showed two tumors, each approximately two centimeters in size, with one showing signs of inflammation.
Blood tests and a CT scan revealed no abnormalities.
Subsequently, I underwent fluid aspiration and drainage of the pus from the inflamed tumor.
I was originally scheduled for surgery in August, but unfortunately, I contracted pneumonia, which delayed the procedure.
After two weeks of isolation, a follow-up ultrasound indicated that the tumors had decreased in size by about 0.5 centimeters.
The doctor recommended another follow-up in three months.
However, the tumors remained unchanged, measuring approximately 1.3 centimeters and 0.8 centimeters.
Six months later, my recent blood test results showed that my lymphocyte count (Lymp) was 40.9, which is an increase of 20 from six months ago, while my segmented neutrophils (Seg) were 48, a decrease of 20.
The test results from 12/01/13 are as follows: Estimated GFR (M) 94.7, Creatinine 0.7, Seg 48.3, Mono 8.0, Lymp 40.9, Eosin 2.4, Baso 0.4, WBC 6.0, Platelet 366, Ht 40.1, Hemoglobin 13.3.
For comparison, the results from 11/06/27 were: Estimated GFR (M) 94.7, Creatinine 0.7, Seg 65.3, Mono 6.9, Lymp 26.0, Eosin 1.2, Baso 0.6, WBC 6.8, Platelet 400, Ht 42.2, Hemoglobin 13.8.
I am uncertain whether this indicates a potential malignant tumor.

S, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/01/20

Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology

S/37 years old/female
1.
This blood test cannot determine if it is malignant.

2.
Generally speaking, malignant tumors tend to grow continuously.
Given your situation, from August until now, which is approximately six months, if it has remained stable, the likelihood of malignancy is low.
As for whether to proceed with surgery, you can discuss this with your physician.

Happy New Year, Taoyuan Hospital, Chen Si-Rong.

Reply Date: 2023/01/20

More Info

When it comes to hard lumps in the lymph nodes, particularly in the armpit area, it is understandable to be concerned about the possibility of cancer. Based on the information provided, there are several factors to consider in determining whether these lumps are malignant or benign.

Firstly, the presence of hard lumps in the lymph nodes can be indicative of various conditions. Lymph nodes can become enlarged due to infections, inflammatory conditions, or malignancies. The fact that you have experienced pain and inflammation in one of the lumps suggests that there may be an underlying inflammatory process. This is often seen in cases of lymphadenitis, which is an infection of the lymph nodes.
The ultrasound findings showing two tumors, each approximately two centimeters in size, and the subsequent reduction in size after treatment for pneumonia, indicate that the lumps may not be cancerous. Inflammatory lymph nodes can often fluctuate in size, especially in response to infections or other inflammatory stimuli. The fact that one of the lumps showed signs of inflammation further supports this possibility.

Blood tests, including the lymphocyte count, can provide additional insights. An increase in lymphocytes (Lymp 40.9) may suggest a response to infection or inflammation, while a decrease in segmented neutrophils (Seg 48) could indicate a shift in the immune response. However, these results alone do not definitively indicate malignancy.

The absence of abnormalities in your CT scan and blood tests is also a positive sign. Typically, if there were significant concerns regarding malignancy, one would expect to see additional findings on imaging studies or abnormal blood markers.
It is also important to note that the management plan suggested by your physician, which includes monitoring the lumps over time, is a common approach when there is uncertainty regarding the nature of lymphadenopathy. If the lumps remain stable or continue to decrease in size, this is generally reassuring.
In conclusion, while the presence of hard lumps in the lymph nodes can be concerning, the combination of ultrasound findings, blood test results, and the response to treatment suggests that the likelihood of these lumps being malignant is low. However, continued monitoring and follow-up with your healthcare provider are essential to ensure that any changes are promptly addressed. If there are any new symptoms or changes in the lumps, it is crucial to communicate these to your doctor, as they may warrant further investigation, such as a biopsy, to definitively rule out malignancy.

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