COVID-19 Vaccine & Mammograms: Swollen Lymph Nodes May Mimic Breast Cancer

Mar 5, 2021
General
BY Mandi Scott

By now you've probably heard of, or even experienced, some of the common symptoms associated with the COVID-19 vaccine: body aches, chills, nausea and headaches. However, there is one side effect that could be mistaken as a potential sign of cancer.

Lymph nodes play a vital role in your body's ability to fight off infections. They are normally the size of a lima bean and can be found all over your body. However, the most prominent ones are in the armpits, neck and groin area. The lymph nodes in the armpits are most likely to swell after a COVID-19 vaccination due to being closest to the injection site.

Many times, women with breast cancer have lymph node reaction or enlargement of the lymph nodes. However, lymphadenopathy, is also a common reaction to vaccinations.

"In the COVID-era, this is common with the COVID-vaccination," Dr. Pinky Sharma, Fellowship-Trained Breast Radiologist, said. "Studies show that about 11 percent of patients have enlarged lymph nodes after the first shot and about 16 percent with the second shot."

This reaction is completely normal. Dr. Sharma says the best way to avoid any unnecessary screenings or stress is to simply schedule your mammogram around your vaccination.

"If possible, they should come for the mammogram before they get their COVID shot or wait four to six weeks after receiving the second shot," Dr. Sharma said. "But having said that, I also want to say to all the women, that if there are any clinically, suspicious findings, you should not have to wait. If the physician finds something, you should come as quickly as possible – like we always do."

Women should never ignore any lumps or pain in or around their breast.

"COVID or not, the care should not be delayed," Dr. Sharma said. "That's the bottom line. Every woman should have a mammogram done starting at age 40. It should not be delayed other than if they get a vaccination, hold it back four to six weeks after their second COVID shot."

For questions, or to reschedule your mammogram, call Clara Fairbanks Center for Women at 812.238.7766.