Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD
Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD: Several weeks ago, I saw a new patient, a woman in her early 50s who reported "swelling in my armpit." In the past week, she had noted that tissue in the upper outer quadrant of her left breast and axilla seemed puffy, a bit tender, and more prominent than on her right side. She had no recent fever.
She had no personal or family history of breast cancer. Two previous screening mammograms had been read as normal. She underwent placement of breast implants when she was in her late 20s.
Examination of the patient, both seated and supine, revealed symmetric breasts with implants, no skin changes, and no palpable axillary lymph nodes. The patient pointed to what she considered the area of concern — the somewhat tender and swollen upper outer quadrant of her left breast and the underlying pectoralis major muscle.
Our University of Florida breast imaging center is next door to the ambulatory obstetrics/gynecology suite, so I walked over to talk with my colleague Dr Pamela Hatch, a radiologist with fellowship training in breast imaging. Dr Hatch returned with me, where she spoke with and examined the patient.
Parlyn D. Hatch, MD
Pamela D. Hatch, MD: I examined the patient and agreed that some axillary tail fullness was present, but no distinct masses.
