Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of MyBCTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

I had my lymph nodes removed with the mastectomies, I have a strange growth/swollen towards the back of my armpits, is this normal?

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Davenport, FL
March 6
 · 
Reactions
A MyBCTeam Member

Hi Glammy......the AI response gave some pretty good information. Definitely have your doctor check out what's going on with your armpits so if there is a problem developing it can be addressed as soon as possible. I had 16 lymph nodes removed from my right armpit along with lymph bypass in November 2024 and it's felt weird ever since then. I don't have any of the cording, webbing, etc. mentioned in the AI response, but I do have some scar tissue which makes my armpit feel tight. It also has effected the range of motion, especially when I raise my arm over my head. Good luck ❤️

March 7
MyBCTeam

Is the swelling or growth you're noticing in your armpit area normal after lymph node removal?

What you're experiencing could be a few different things that can happen after lymph node removal surgery. Here are some possibilities:

Cording (Axillary Web Syndrome)
This is a common side effect where connective tissue builds Show Full Answer

Is the swelling or growth you're noticing in your armpit area normal after lymph node removal?

What you're experiencing could be a few different things that can happen after lymph node removal surgery. Here are some possibilities:

Cording (Axillary Web Syndrome)
This is a common side effect where connective tissue builds up under your arm, creating tight bands or cords. It can:
- Feel like a thick cord or tight strap under your arm
- Be visible through the skin, appearing like a web or net of tissue
- Extend from your armpit down toward your wrist
- Develop days to months after surgery
- Cause tightness and discomfort

Seroma
This is a fluid buildup at the surgical site that can cause swelling.

Lymphedema
This occurs when lymph fluid collects and causes swelling in the breast, arm, chest, or abdomen. It's more common after mastectomy and lymph node removal.

While these are known side effects, any new growth or swelling should be evaluated by your healthcare provider to rule out other concerns. They can examine the area and determine the exact cause and appropriate treatment.

If it's cording, massage, stretching, and anti-inflammatory medications can help. If it's a seroma or lymphedema, your doctor can recommend specific treatments.

Please contact your surgeon or oncologist to have this checked out soon.

March 6
A MyBCTeam Member

I had similar thing happens, with mass growing over a 6 month period, so plastic surgeon removed it when I had breast expander put in

March 9

Related Questions

View All

Underarm Discomfort Following Multiple Node Removal

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Parma, OH
June 22, 2018

The Hardest Part: How I Told My Kids About My Metastatic Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Scalp Pain During Hair Regrowth After Chemotherapy
Member Spotlight: Why I Keep Coming Back