“Can lymph nodes in the armpits be an indication of lymphoma?”
I have lymph nodes under my armpits as revealed by my latest CT scan. The doctors didn't do a good job explaining about what this could be, only that further testing is needed for a proper diagnosis. What could this mean? Could this be a symptom of lymphoma?
6 Answers
Yes. If those armpit lymph nodes persist and do not spontaneously go away and particularly are on both sides,a physician should see the person, get a blood count and if then considered appropriate get a biopsy of one of those enlarged nodes
lymph node can be enlarged due to infections or lymphoma. Usually, in lymphoma, patient experiences fever, night sweat, and weight loss. If none of these are present, for women concern is for the breast cancer. In general if there is a large lymph node and no infectious causes (such as Cat scratch disease, Brucellois, viral infection, fungal, and other pathogens), then need to excise the lymph node completely and check with pathologist to statin it to see what is the cause of enlarged lymph node.
yes if large enough a biopsy may be needed
Yes. Also, many other things, including syphilis and many other infections:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/-conditions/swollen-lymph-nodes/symptoms-causes/syc-20353902
https://www.mayoclinic.org/-conditions/swollen-lymph-nodes/symptoms-causes/syc-20353902
Possible. An excisional biopsy would be ideal, if not possible/acceptable. A multiple core needle biopsy can help in making a diagnosis.
There are many causes of enlarged lymph nodes - from local irritation (say underarm deodorants, shaving related) to infections, to tumors such as lymphoma or other tumors that can spread to lymph nodes (i.e. breast cancer). The CT scan may have had additional information about other sites of lymph nodes being enlarge or normal. A proper physical exam, good medical history and simple blood tests could help narrow the possibilities. If otherwise healthy, many MDs would suggest a course of antibiotics to see if lymph nodes reduce, and if not then consider a biopsy of the enlarged lymph nodes
