Armpit Lump: Causes, Symptoms & When to See a Doctor - Dr. Borucki

Question
Dear Dr. Borucki,

I am a healthy 34 year old woman.  Three days ago, I noticed my left armpit was tender.  I can now see there is what appears to be an enlarged lymph node (about the size of 2 peas) where it is tender.  I have no other symptoms of an illness.  There is not a family history of breast cancer.  (There is a family history of colon cancer at a young age - 40s.)

Questions:

*Do you feel this lump is likely something to be overly concerned about, given that I am otherwise healthy?  Is it likely to just be enlarged due to a very mild viral illness?

*I have a previously-scheduled appointment with my family physician next week (for a general physical).  Do you feel it is okay to wait until then to discuss this with my doctor?

Thank you in advance for your expertise!

Sincerely,
Jennifer

Answer
next weeks appointment is fine for this... it is unlikely to be a cancer.  More likely a little skin infection inflaming the sweat glands or nodes.  But I would not wait months to have this looked at.... with tenderness, much more likely to be an infection..... I hope this helps.