Did you know that a temporary swelling of the lymph nodes in armpits is normal after Covid vaccination?^[1]. Up to 16% of the vaccinated women have experienced it^[2]. However, since the armpit lumps are also a common breast cancer symptom, the women who notice the swelling after vaccination may unduly fear cancer. And those who had breast cancer before may get anxious about recurrence. Relax, there is no need to panic. Let’s see why.

Why do lymph nodes swell?

Swollen lymph nodes after Covid vaccination are a sign that your body is building immunity. When you have any infection, injury, or cancer; the lymph nodes enlarge to protect your body and fight the bad stuff.

How long does the swelling last after the vaccination?

A harmless swelling in the lymph-nodes may appear 2-4 days after the vaccination, and last for about 10 days². The lumps may feel soft and are usually around the arm into which the vaccination was injected. Lymph node swelling is not unique to Covid vaccination. It can happen with any other vaccination.

Is there anything else I should do?

If your routine mammography is due, please schedule it either before or about six weeks after the second dose of vaccination^[3]. After vaccination, if the swollen lymph nodes are not bothering you much, leave them alone. They will shrink. If the swelling stays beyond two weeks, or if you have pain in other areas of breasts, nipple discharge, skin redness, change in breast shape or any other abnormality, contact your Doctor immediately.

If I have a breast complaint after vaccination, should I wait for 6 weeks to consult a doctor?

No. Any complaint specific to the breast like a lump or discharge needs a consultation as early as possible. However please let your doctor know that you had your Covid vaccine shot recently.

I am a breast cancer patient. Is Covid vaccination safe for me?

For most breast cancer patients, the Covid vaccination is safe and highly advised, unless you are under certain immunotherapy treatments. Even if your lymph nodes are partly or fully removed by breast cancer surgery, don’t avoid vaccination due to fear of lymphoedema etc. Talk to your Doctor and the vaccination team if you prefer to use the other arm or your thigh for the injection.

Covid vaccination is essential to beat the virus. Don’t let the myths and rumors scare you from protecting yourself and your loved ones.

Equally important is the long-term protection from breast cancer. If you are eligible for breast screening either by age (40 years and above), or due to high-risk factors such as family history (in which case before 40 years), ask your Doctor about an annual Mammography plan – a simple ritual that can save your life!

1. https://www.clinicalimaging.org/article/S0899-7071(21)00020-6/fulltext
2. https://www.sbi-online.org/Portals/0/Position%20Statements/2021/SBI-recommendations-for-managing-axillary-adenopathy-post-COVID-vaccination.pdf
3. BMJ 2021; 372 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n617