Many individuals worry when they discover a new lump or unusual sensation in their breast or armpit area. This concern often stems from uncertainty about what these changes mean. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that play a role in the immune system. They can sometimes be felt, and understanding their normal characteristics and functions is important. This article clarifies what lymph nodes are, where they are located in relation to the breast, what they might feel like, and when a medical evaluation is advisable.
Understanding Lymph Nodes Near the Breast
Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands that are part of the lymphatic system and the body’s immune defense. They are strategically distributed throughout the body, filtering lymph fluid. They contain immune cells, such as lymphocytes, which identify and destroy foreign substances like bacteria, viruses, and abnormal cells. Lymph fluid, which collects waste products and abnormal cells, flows from lymphatic vessels into these nodes for filtration before returning to the bloodstream.
Several lymph node groups are near the breast, draining its lymphatic fluid. The most prominent are the axillary lymph nodes, found in the armpit. These nodes receive the majority, approximately 75% to 90%, of the lymphatic drainage from the breast. Typically, there are many axillary lymph nodes.
Other lymph node groups also drain the breast. Supraclavicular lymph nodes are above the collarbone. These nodes filter lymph from the chest and abdomen, and their swelling can sometimes indicate more widespread issues. Infraclavicular lymph nodes are below the collarbone, and internal mammary nodes are inside the chest, along the breastbone. While internal mammary nodes are less commonly palpable externally, they can receive between 10% to 40% of the breast’s lymphatic drainage, particularly from the medial breast.
Distinguishing Normal and Abnormal Lymph Node Sensations
Understanding how lymph nodes feel helps differentiate normal from abnormal nodes. Healthy lymph nodes, if palpable, are generally small, often described as pea-sized or smaller, and may be soft or slightly rubbery. They are movable under the skin and not tender or painful. Many healthy lymph nodes are not easily felt at all.
In contrast, certain characteristics suggest an abnormal lymph node requiring evaluation. A swollen lymph node that is larger than a pea or bean, or measures more than 1.5 cm, is often considered enlarged. Abnormal nodes may feel firm or hard, and they might be fixed or immobile, not moving freely under the skin. Tenderness, pain, warmth, or redness in the area overlying the lymph node are also signs of concern.
Skin changes over the node, like dimpling or unusual texture, can also be significant. While some enlarged nodes might be soft, a hard, non-tender, fixed lymph node is a feature that often raises greater concern. These characteristics suggest an underlying process, from infection to more serious conditions, requiring medical assessment.
Common Reasons for Swollen Lymph Nodes
Swollen lymph nodes, a condition known as lymphadenopathy, usually indicate that the body’s immune system is responding to a threat. Most frequently, this swelling is a benign reaction to an infection or inflammation. For instance, viral infections such as the common cold, flu, or mononucleosis often cause lymph nodes to enlarge as they produce infection-fighting white blood cells. Bacterial infections, like strep throat or skin infections on the arm or hand near the affected area, can also lead to noticeable lymph node swelling.
Beyond infections, various non-cancerous conditions can cause lymph nodes to swell. These include inflammatory reactions to injuries or certain medications. Autoimmune conditions, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, can also result in lymph node enlargement. In these cases, the nodes are often tender, movable, and return to their normal size once the underlying cause resolves.
While less common, swollen lymph nodes can sometimes indicate more serious conditions. Certain cancers, such as lymphoma, which originates in the lymphatic system, can cause lymph nodes to become enlarged. If breast cancer cells spread beyond the primary tumor, they frequently travel through the lymphatic system and may accumulate in nearby lymph nodes, particularly the axillary nodes. The presence of cancer cells in these nodes can influence the staging and treatment approach for the cancer.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
Any new, unexplained lump or swelling in the breast or armpit area warrants a prompt medical evaluation. It is important to seek professional advice if a palpable lymph node is growing in size, feels hard, or appears fixed to surrounding tissues. These changes can be significant and require a thorough assessment by a healthcare provider.
Other symptoms accompanying a swollen lymph node should also prompt a doctor’s visit. These include unexplained weight loss, persistent fever, night sweats, or unusual fatigue. Changes in the breast skin, such as redness, dimpling, or nipple alterations, alongside a palpable lymph node, also necessitate immediate medical attention.
Lymph nodes that remain swollen for an extended period, typically more than two to four weeks, or those not clearly associated with a recent infection, should be evaluated. While many instances of swollen lymph nodes are benign, a professional medical assessment is necessary for an accurate diagnosis and to rule out any serious underlying conditions. Self-diagnosis is not sufficient, and timely consultation ensures appropriate care.