Painful underarm 4 years after lumpectomy

Dear Mnotts58b4f9 

 Thanks for getting in touch on our Online Community, we hope you find this a helpful and supportive space. I’m Sue one of the cancer information nurses on the Support Line.

It’s really good to hear your breast cancer treatment went well and you tested clear from 2022, following your second operation.

Although since this time you have noticed some slight breast tenderness and occasional underarm pain, it’s understandable, you are now feeling unsure as the underarm pain has continued for the past 3 weeks.

Because of this, even though you haven’t noticed any other symptoms, as the underarm pain continues and is not improving, we would always recommend seeking medical advice from your GP. You can also contact the NHS 111 service.

It’s natural because you have also had breast cancer, the underarm pain may be concerning, but we would also encourage contacting your consultant or clinical nurse specialist, to make them aware of what is happening. It’s always best to speak to the hospital team straightaway about any potential changes or concerns, and not wait for the next follow up appointment, so they can do a clinical assessment and offer support.

If you are concerned the underarm pain is becoming worse or you develop any other acute symptoms, please do seek urgent medical help by calling 999 or attending A&E.

Please be reassured there can be lots of reasons for under arm pain including a muscle strain or damage to the upper arm muscle, so it is not always caused by something serious. But getting the right help and support is important in order to establish the cause and to be offered the right treatment to help.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions, please get in touch by email, webchat or phone. The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial, and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks* on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm.

Sending best wishes

Sue – Macmillan Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

Ref/ GH