I have had swollen lymph glands in the left underarm over the last few years.  A doctor said that a biopsy would most probably reveal a malignancy.  However, I refused the biopsy and opted for natural health, including wheat grass juicing, meditation, lifestyle changes, vegan and gluten free diet and taken several homeopathic remedies.  The glands did reduce but have swollen again.  This time there is a shiny red patch on the skin where the gland is most swollen and it is not resolving.  The patch is about the size of a 5p and the glands remain swollen and knotted in a thread like way.  Can anyone suggest why the red patch on the skin?  What treatment can I use to heal the problem?

it sounds as if lymphatic drainge could help this condition.  Many people practise lymph drainge, but ensure that you find someone who knows and has studied Dr Vodder's method as I have spoken to therapists who have no real understanding of how the lymph is drainged.

 

Jili Hamilton

www.jilihamilton.com

I would agree totally with the comment posted by Jilli. Dr Vodder's technique is gentle but extremely effective for all types of lymphatic complaints. There are a number of things you can do to help your lymph - gently bouncing on a trampoline is said to help get a clogged lymphatic system working, and herbals tinctures such as cleavers, red root, ocotillo and red clover are also said to help decongest lymph. Dry skin brushing every morning is also said to help the body rid itself of toxins and can feel nice and invigorating. Making sure your bra is not underwired or on too tightly is considered good, as it lessens constriction around the area. Well done on what you have done so far and all the best.

thanks for your comments Jilli and Rebecka.  I have found two practitioners using Dr Vodder's technique and am keen to try this therapy.  I think all of the suggestions are very good and will will help to get the lymph moving.  I have realised that if the underarm lymph glands are this swollen then there must be other glands in the body and the whole lymph affected also.  Your suggestions will get the lymph moving all over.  Thanks, Claire

Hi Claire

I understand that as a fellow wddty subscriber you are cautious about the excesses of mainstream medicine, but as an osteopath I would strongly advise anyone with skin changes over an enlarged lymph node to see their gp with the utmost urgency;  I would also phone the gp and advise him or her of my concerns (with the patient's permission, of course).

Lymph nodes become enlarged when your body's immune system detects something abnormal in the fluid that is drained back into your circulation through these glands.  This could be something as trivial as a mild infection from a cut or splinter - in which case it will usually go away in a few days - or something much more serious such as cancer.  If the gland has been enlarged for some time then it has been trying to contain this anomoly and stop it getting round your body;  if it suddenly changes, that is a warning sign.

You SHOULD NOT  massage over or around an abnormally enlarged lymph node, as you can be squeezing out the toxin or anomaly that it is desperately trying to contain.

sorry to be so dramatic but it is better to be safe than sorry in a case like this.

Wishing you the best of health,

Peter

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I'm just a simple country osteopath, Jim....

I tend to agree with the osteopath. You don't say how old you are, or what other health problems you may or may not have. Or what other symptoms. If your doctor feels there may be a malignancy then I feel it is urgent you do get a diagnosis before embarking on any treatment. A biopsy would seem the best thing to do and then you can decide what path to tred. I did have a biopsy of my bowel and found out I had bowel cancer. However after surgery I refused all chemo and radiation and went the CAAT diet administered by the A P John Cancer Institute in Florida. I keep my symptoms and disease under control as best I can by diet and alternative treatments. However I did need the inital surgery to remove the tumour and likewise you must find out what only a biopsy can tell you. The more information the more empowerment. And the more choices. But find out first what it is you are dealing with.

Is your doctor sure that this really is swollen lymph glands?  A similar condition, i.e.nodular swelling, can result from the blockage of sweat glands caused by the regular use of anti-perspirants  -- particularly the type which use aluminium compounds to do so.  Long term blockage can lead to bacterial infection with consequent further swelling and redness.  To check if this is the reason, discontinue using an anti-perspirant for a couple of weeks but apply a light coating of, for example an  Aloe vera moisturiser containing tea tree oil, or some other very mild antiseptic cream.

Reading about deodorants, there is an excellent natural crystal one that I have been using for years called Pit Rok.  It has no chemicals in it and is very effective - I use the solid one and though it costs about £6 it usually lasts around a year - just wet it and apply it.  Drying it after use makes it last longer.

All the best

Sue 

Hi again.  One reader above sggests that your lumps may be blocked sweat glands, but your initial post says that the lumps have a thread-like feel which strongly suggests that lymph ducts joining one lymph node to the next are enlarged.  You wouldn't get that with a blocked sweat duct.

If yoyu haven't done so yet, I would again strongly urge you to see your GP - hping things will just clear up shouldn't be an option with this sort of presentation.  as the other reader says, once the lump is checked out - and removed if necessary - then you can try alternative methods to boost your immune system and help your body recover.

Regards,

Peter (osteopath)

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I'm just a simple country osteopath, Jim....

Some Manual Lymph Drainage could help.  Also look for a Bowen Technique therapist.  Bowen is great at clearing lymph.  www.thebowentechnique.com