COVID vaccines can cause lymph node enlargement; may not indicate breast cancer
When we take a vaccine, it is normal to have a have an immune reaction. Sometimes, the lymph nodes in the arm pit area on the side where the vaccine was injected can temporarily swell up. This is typically a good sign and shows us that the vaccine is successful in eliciting an immune response. This swelling is called unilateral axillary lymphadenopathy (UAL). However, this side effect of the vaccine is raising false alarms for some women, leading them to think may have breast cancer.
It was found that the lymph nodes become painful to the touch and swell up within a few days after the COVID-19 vaccination. This swelling can last for up to six to eight weeks. While the reaction is common for most vaccines, higher rates of lymph node swelling are being reported following the COVID-19 vaccines, and hence are being mistaken as a potential symptom of breast cancer.
Doctors say that there is no need to panic, instead it is important to inform your doctor of your prior vaccination. It is now protocol to ask women who come for breast screening examinations if they have recently received their COVID-19 vaccine.
If women have a personal history of breast cancer or are undergoing breast cancer treatment, it is advised to get their vaccination on the opposite side of their body. To further avoid confusion, experts now suggest, wherever possible, consider scheduling screening appointments either prior to the first dose or six weeks after receiving a dose of the vaccine.
References:
SBI Recommendations for the Management of Axillary Adenopathy in Patients with Recent COVID-19 Vaccination. Society of Breast Imaging. https://www.sbi-online.org/Portals/0/Position%20Statements/2021/SBI-recommendations-for-managing-axillary-adenopathy-post-COVID-vaccination.pdf. Accessed on May 27, 2021.
Why COVID-19 vaccines are raising false red flags of breast cancer. https://globalnews.ca/news/7760341/covid-vaccine-side-effect-breast-cancer-scare/. Accessed on May 27, 2021.
Know the cancer – Breast cancer treatment
Previous COVID Vaccine Found Safe For Pregnant Women