I am a 22 year old female. About a week ago I noticed a small, soft, pea sized lump under my left armpit. I am currently sick with a cold and was just coming down with it when I noticed the lump. I am also about a week away from starting my period. The lump is painless. When I stand with my arm over my head, it is easier to feel it. It moves when I flex my biceps or chest muscle. My boyfriend felt it and said I was crazy. She said there is nothing there that is unusual. She said it is normal to have lumps and bumps on the outer edge of the breast, especially before my period. She also says that she can feel a similar lump on the right breast. It's isn't in quite the same place. Just to be safe, I have made a doctors appointment, and will be seeing him 2 weeks from now. (They told me to wait 2 weeks because the lump is not painful, I have no other symptoms, and it will be easier to tell what it is after my period) I am not, nor have I ever been, pregnant. I do not take birth control pills, drink alcohol, or smoke. I had my last physical about 10 months ago, and everything was OK then. My friend says I am feeling either muscle, a tendon, or a lymph node. I'm not sure because it seems to be soft and round. When I push on the lump, it feels like it goes away. Has anyone had symptoms like this before? Is it normal to have soft bumps on the outer edge of the breast under the armpit? What do lymph nodes feel like? Any advice/info on this would be appreciated! Also, if my doctor thinks I should get more tests done, are there any organizations which provide financial aid to low income women who don't have health insurance? If I need a mamogram or biopsy, will they do it even if I don't have the money to pay right then? Do they let you make payments? Thanks for your time!

Also, I forgot to mention that I don't know my family's medical history because I'm adopted. Someone please give me some advice! I am so worried. There isn't a visible lump. It's just under the skin. I'm not sick anymore and it's still there. Does anyone have any advice?

This sounds like an enlarged lymph node. You have a cold and you should be starting your menses soon, these signs point to lymph.

It is not normal to have lumps or bumps under your arm or around your breast tissue. However, there are times when it does happen, and a cold is just one of those times.

It can take quite a while for lymph tissue to go away after an illness. Depending on the illness it can take up to 6 months.

Well, I saw my doctor today. The lump is getting smaller than it was, not gone yet. She agrees with J_9 about the lymph node, which is awesome. She said I need to keep an eye on it, and she wants me to come back in a month for her to take another look. She said as long as it continues to get smaller, I am in the clear. So, I got some very good news today! :) It noticed it was getting smaller a couple of days ago. I'll still keep a close eye on it, but it's good to know that I don't need to worry TOO much, like I was for a while! :) I just wanted to share good news! And, also, thanks again J_9 so much! It's great there are people like you who take the time to give really good advice. God bless!

Peggy that is GREAT news!! Congrats!!

Just remember that if it were cancer the lump would be growing, not shrinking.

Some women have fibroids that show up around the menstrual cycle, caffeine can help fibroid formation around periods too.

I am worried myself. I have a lump in my underarm/outer breast area. I went in to get a mammogram and ultrasound and the dr said it looked to be a complex cyst to come back in 6 monthes to have reevaluated. I am worried about the long wait but I have no other symptoms.