Why would I have an enlarged lymph node in my breast?

I am only 20 and I have a swollen lyph node in my right armpit as well as two in my right breast. Why would I get these at such a young age? They are pretty painful so I am meeting with my doctor again tomorrow to see what I can do.

I too had a mammogram a couple of weeks and was asked to have a second one the following week because of a small unknown mass in each breast. I had an ultra sound after second mammogram and was told that the masses were suspected lymph nodes, one in each breast, around the same size. I did not see the ultra sound and was ask to return in 6 months for another round of tests to be sure they were lymph nodes.

I am so glad I found this site! Im 42 and had a total hysterectomy when I was 36. This September I had my first Mammogram and was called back for a second. The results said benign but when I went back for follow up with my primary, she read over everything and looked at the mammogram and said she would prefer to send me to a breast oncologist just to be safe. So I go and she is telling me it is a lymph node that is enlarged that this was not common so that is probably why the primary recommended me see her. She said it is still perfectly round and as long as it doesnt change by my next mammogram that I should be fine...She wanted me to get another mammogram 6 months from that time so that is in April..Im getting pretty anxious about it as it nears...I will post results when I go and get them...

Hi! I've been diagnosed with a swollen/enlarged lymph node in my left breast as well.
I just have a quick question. Of those of you had a mammogram, did you get to see the mammogram? If you did, were you able to see your lymph node?
The reason I ask is, I've been told over and over I just have a swollen lymph node, but it was very dense on the mammogram. As I described it to my husband, everything on my mammogram was normal brightness (sort of grayish), but my node lit up like a Christmas tree (almost bright white). I also ask, because my node is only 5mm. That's not swollen. Normal nodes can be anywhere from 5-20mm. So, why are they telling me it's a swollen lymph node??

it is encouraging to know that one person's medical issue is not unique to them alone. couple weeks ago, i went in for a mammogram, the result i got was that i needed an ultrasound which was done two days ago. i have two lymph nodes in my left breast. one is harmless and the docs says i need to have a biopsy to determine the condition of the other node. i have delayed my appointment to summer time cause i am fearful of the outcome. anyone been in this spot?

I am so glad i found this site. I too have had a swollen lymph in my right breast. Very sore and it gets worse around my period. I am 51 so I am pre medi. So i think it get bad with hormones. I had mamogram, ultra sound also. been told by my doc and the doc who did ultra sound that it is just a lymph node and don't worry. I do worry but reading this blog helps me understand I am not the only one. But anyone with lymphs that are swollen need to get them checked. That is how they found my husbands lyphoma.

i just had a test done well a ultra sound bc i am prego. for the last year i have had a knot in my breast and its very painful makes pain shoot down my arm my breast i cant stand it but the doc said the ultra sound it looked like a swelled lymph node and dont worry. but why am i having so many problems with it? i cant have a mamogram bc i am 4 months prego. should i worry??? cancer runs in the family but not sure if breast cancer does. i lost my 8 year old son last year to cancer

Hello! I am a 37 year old mother of 3. I had a total vaginal hysterectomy when I was 31due to severe dysplasia ( possible pre cancer). about a year and a half ago I started feeling this throbbing pain in my left breast. It is in the outer quadrant and is localized to one area. upon self examination I felt a small less than pea sized lump. I called the Dr. and they ordered an ultrasound which they said came back normal but wanted me to return in 2 months. well things happen.. kids , school activities etc., and I didn't make my appointment until just recently. (about a year went by.) I saw my doctor last week who noticed some fullness ( I have dense breasts) and ordered a mammogram and another ultrasound. afterwards the tech came back with a paper that said "benign appearing" . she then told me she noticed my lymph nodes were enlarged but the Dr. would get the report in about a week and they recommend follow up mammo in 6 months.I am scared to death! not to mention in pain! I can even lay on my stomach or my left side to sleep. Any specific questions I should ask the DR.?

I've researched this a 1000 times dont know why I have never come across this page yet. I am 23 years old and I have had a lump above my left nipple for the past year now which has not changed and the radiologist told me that it was just a swollen lymph gland also and prescribed me with vitamins but 1 year on still here and it is worrying me so much to the point that I am experiencing severe anxiety and waking up in the middle of the night with panic attacks. I am going to go back in 2 days for another ultrasound and I will also push for a biopsy as well the problem is that I live in Indonesia so I do not have access to the best medical care and do not have money for a flight ticket back to the UK so I'm just praying I get answers that will settle me on Tuesday. Interesting how you are all talking about this Thyroid condition as about 2 years ago the DR told me I had an enlarged Thyroid and wanted to do some tests but I put it off as I was leaving back to Indonesia a few days later. perhaps that would also be a good idea to get me tested on Tuesday too. will keep you updated!