Ask an Expert: View a Question
 
 
 
 

Ask an Expert is a free question-and-answer service about breast cancer and breast health that is available on weekends. If you'd like to ask a question or comment, please visit us again on Saturday or Sunday. In the meantime, please search the existing topics using the search tool at the top of the page. It's quite possible that one of our many existing topics already addresses your question.

If you would like a consultation with a breast specialist at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center, call 443-778-2778. It is possible to get an appointment for a second opinion within a few days of contacting us.

We hope you find the information helpful!

ForumQuestionsAsk a Question
Lymphedema
Questions concerning Lymphatic obstruction or blockage of the lymph nodes.
483 Ask a Question

AskedPublicly Submitted Question
1/25/2012I'm 33 years old and have dense fibrous breasts. I had my first mammogram about 3 months ago and it showed some calcifications in the one breast that is most dense and has a palpable mass. Some calcifications were scattered and others were clustered. I went for an MRI and got another "probably benign" diagnosis with a 6 month follow up. I've been very worried since this all happened and feeling around on my breast a lot just to check for any changes. Since I have such fibrous breasts, it's really hard to tell what's what in there. I noticed under my armpit on the breast with the calcifications, I can feel my lymph nodes. There are several and one feels like it's about the size of the tip of my pinkie fingernail. They all move around freely. There are NO palpable lymph nodes under the other arm (the one without the calcifications) I went to my primary care physician to let her feel and she said she didn't feel anything. I definately feel small lymph nodes in there. I'm not suppposed to go back for a follow up mammogram for over 3 more months, but I'm worried. Should I be able to feel these lymph nodes? If so, what size is okay? Why are they not palpable on the other side? Thank you for your help.
RepliedJHU's Breast Center Reply
1/26/2012some women can feel their lymph nodes, especially if the woman is relatively thin. sounds like you would be best to take your imaging studies to another breast imaging facility and request a second opinion reading of them to feel more confident that everything is okay.

Please note: This service is not intended to provide primary medical advice concerning specific medical care or treatment. Ask an Expert is a free service operated by health care professionals at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center. Due to the volume of questions and their complexity, there are times when medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists or oncology nurses are consulted for their input. These individuals volunteer their time for this service and will respond as soon as they are able. Please do not post or send the same question to us in multiple locations or categories.

 
 
 
 
 

© The Johns Hopkins University, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Johns Hopkins Health System, All rights reserved.