To ask you to put my mind at rest (medical)

[Imustbemad00]

So for the last few weeks, maybe more, can’t really remember. I’ve been noticing tenderness in my armpits that comes and goes. The second time I got it I couldn’t remember if it was the same armpit, but now I’m sure it’s not. It’s alternating.

I’m not sure if there’s lumps, it’s quite hard to tell, armpits are quite bumpy, but it’s tender when I press. Probably lasts a couple of days then goes. Then comes back later on the other arm.

Obviously my first thought ms are lymph nodes and cancer. I will go to the gp but I’m scared. Does anyone have any suggestions in the meantime?

Also can’t feel any lumps in breast by was trying to feel earlier and then breast felt tender. Like I’d aggravated something.

Ok i had something similar and it turned out i needed new bras. However id advise you to get checked regardless

Not sure op, perhaps I need to go too then, as I occasionally have pain under my armpits, but if I'm honest always put it down to pmt!
Do you think yours could be linked to hormones? Or do you think something else?

Is it linked to your menstrual cycle - hormone cycle? Keep a watch and see if it is.

I read somewhere that cancerous lumps are rarely painful or tender in early stages which is one of the reasons they take time to diagnose.

I’m unsure. I’m on at the moment so possibly but I think I’ve had it on and off through out the month.
I’m thinking worse case scenarios is that they are enlarged and tender lymph nodes, but I’ve not been unwell, no sign of infections, so my mind wanders to cancer. Although no noticeable lumps, I know it affects the lymph nodes.

to me it suggests a healthy immune system.

You are exposed to a 'infection/threat'
your lymph node responds (and swells and gets painful)
threat overcome, no infection

Nine times out of ten, and really more like 99 times out of 100, swollen lymph nodes are related to an infection or illness, not cancer. We just have more education about cancer now and our minds can fling there first sometimes. If you don’t have other symptoms of infection, such as fever, sore throat, runny nose, it’s unlikely to be your lymph nodes. And in most cases with cancer, they’re not tender, simply enlarged, so strike that.

What is MUCH more likely is:

1. Your bra or clothing is rubbing on your armpits somehow during certain times, or in certain situations. Once your armpits are tender, they may stay tender for a while.
2. Your deodorant or antiperspirant may be causing tenderness. Make sure you’re using an aluminum-free antiperspirant, if you use one, as aluminum blocks pores and often can cause tenderness. The aluminum in antiperspirants has also been tied to health problems.
3. It is related to a hormonal cycle, either your PMT cycle, your menstrual cycle, or a hormonal cycle dictated by your birth control if you take any.

If you’re very concerned or it’s quite painful, the best way to determine what might be causing it is to keep a diary. When the pain occurs, keep track of what you’re wearing, eating, where you are in your cycle, the weather (just hot/cold/humid/raining is enough), and anything you’ve done to your armpits within the past week (shaved/waxed/changed deodorants or body wash).

The answer should (hopefully) present itself.

Try hard to overcome your procrastination/fear and go and get checked out.

Think of it this way? If the tenderness comes and goes, it’s actually lucky when it happens and you can present with the symptoms in full flight to get the best medical opinion. Think of it as a positive, rather than wishing it away...

Good luck!

I had this recently and it was my deodorant

I had this when I was using a roll on deodorant instead of a spray. Only at one side. Been gone since I changed to spray.