What will surgeon do for lump under arm?

Question

A couple of weeks ago, I had a pea-sized lump under my arm.  A week later, it was really big, about the size of  a brazil nut.  My family doctor prescribed 10 days of doxycycline, but it hasn't changed much in size, though it is softer.  There is another one a little lower which was the size of a BB but is now the size of a pinto bean.  He sent me to a surgeon.  I go Wednesday.

What do you think the surgeon will do?  Will he do a needle biopsy?  Will he schedule me to remove them under general anesthesia?  I don't really have any symptoms of anything scary except that I do have drenching sweats constantly, but they're during the day and not at night, and I've kind of attributed them to pre-menopause (I'm 46).  

Any thoughts are appreciated!

N · Accepted Answer

If it is a solid lump it can probably be removed under local anesthesia. If it is cystic (fluid filled) it can be incised and drained under local as well. 

Good luck!

nurseforglass · Answer

It is imperative that they both be removed and cell studies done.  He may choose to make it an office procedure but in the hospital outpatient surgery suite would be better so you can have conscience sedation and a local (numbing) of area.  That way an anesthetist can monitor you during procedure, and you won't feel a thing or remember much.  The lab is right there and can prepare the specimen for examination.

Nox · Answer

You should have been told the procedure. To the best of my knowledge, it's probably a biopsy or a complete cyst removal. Call the doctor's office. If I have a medical procedure I ask lots of questions and make clear what's happening to me before I leave the office.

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What will surgeon do for lump under arm?

3 Answers