An Underarm Lump, Weight Loss And A Surprising Truth: How A 39-Year-Old Was Diagnosed With Breast Cancer

Last Updated:February 06, 2026, 08:00 IST

A shrinking body and a quiet underarm lump masked a dangerous truth, highlighting how easily breast cancer can hide in plain sight.

What seemed like normal weight loss masked a dangerous truth. A painless underarm lump led to a breast cancer diagnosis at 39. (Image-AI)

What looked like routine weight loss and a harmless underarm lump quietly masked a life-altering diagnosis, until one scan rewrote a 39-year-old’s story and revealed a truth she never saw coming.

At 39, life often feels predictable enough to trust your instincts. Weight changes began to make sense, small bodily changes felt harmless, and many women dismiss subtle signs as lifestyle shifts, stress, or ageing, especially when there is no significant pain.

Explaining how easily this happens, Dr Utkarsh Ajgaonkar, Consultant, Surgical Oncology at TGH Onco Life Cancer Centre, says, “Breast cancer can begin with very subtle or painless symptoms. Many women do not feel pain in the early stages. A small lump in the breast or underarm, slight skin thickening, or minimal shape changes may be the only signs.”

When Subtle Changes Feel Normal

For Nehal, a 39-year-old nurse at a government hospital in Delhi, the changes felt routine at first. She had been consciously losing weight to stay fit, and her body was responding accordingly. Her breast size reduced slightly. Her clothes fit differently. None of it seemed unusual.

“I did not expect it to be breast cancer. I’m a nurse myself and was losing weight to stay healthy and fit,” she said. Breast cancer did not knock on the door loudly; it blended in with the physical changes. What she did not expect was how easily breast cancer could hide behind routine bodily changes.

The lump did not feel alarming. There was no pain, no significant growth. With her medical background, Nehal assumed she would recognise something serious instantly. Somewhere during this phase, a lump developed in her armpit or axilla. It did not hurt. It did not draw attention. In fact, Nehal barely noticed it forming.

“While I was losing weight, I believe I developed a lump, because I never really noticed a lump growing on my armpit,” she explained.

According to Dr Ajgaonkar, this assumption is common. “Many women dismiss breast or underarm lumps as harmless, especially when they are painless. Unfortunately, that is often how early breast cancer presents itself.”

What Studies Say

Breast cancer begins as an abnormal growth of cells in breast tissue. According to the Mayo Clinic, “After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States. But breast cancer doesn’t just happen in women. Everyone is born with some breast tissue, so anyone can get breast cancer.”

According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study published in July 2025, there is no standard definition of a “normal” breast. Breasts may feel lumpy or uneven and can change due to menstruation, pregnancy, weight fluctuations, medications, or ageing. This wide range of normal often leads women to overlook early warning signs.

For Nehal, the logic seemed simple. She was losing weight, so physical changes were expected. “There were changes in my breast size which appeared normal to me initially since I was losing weight,” she said. The underarm lump, she assumed, was a pus-filled pimple that would eventually resolve.

The Trigger That Changed Her Perspective

Awareness came unexpectedly. One day, while scrolling through Instagram, Nehal came across a post about breast health. “When I came across a post on Instagram talking about breast health out of the blue, I guess that was a sign from the universe,” she recalled.

Prompted by curiosity, she examined her underarm and breast more closely. Still, she was not convinced that anything was wrong. “I started checking my underarm and breast to spot any unusual lump and still thought it was a pus-filled pimple which had gotten big,” she said.

She consulted a physician at her hospital and explained the entire situation. Medication was prescribed to help the lump burst on its own. There was no improvement. Later, during a casual discussion with friends about a breast cancer case, something unsettled her. “Something just struck my mind,” Nehal said. That moment pushed her to consult an oncologist.

A Diagnosis That Shattered Assumptions

The scan confirmed what she had not prepared for- stage 2 breast cancer. “It shook me,” she admitted. Stage 2 breast cancer indicates that the tumour has grown and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes, but it remains treatable. Early detection significantly improves outcomes.

Medical experts list common symptoms as breast or underarm lumps, changes in breast size or shape, nipple inversion, skin dimpling, peeling or flaking of the skin, and redness or darkening. Many of these overlap with benign conditions, making early detection difficult.

Dr Ajgaonkar reiterates, “Listening to your body and seeking timely medical advice can save your life. A simple check-up can bring clarity and peace of mind.”

The CDC study also highlights that while most breast lumps are non-cancerous, often caused by fibrocystic changes or cysts, any new or persistent lump should be evaluated promptly.

Treatment and Its Toll

Her breast cancer treatment began almost immediately after the diagnosis. Nehal underwent repeated screenings, lumpectomy, followed by radiation therapy. A phase she describes as the most physically and emotionally exhausting period of her life.

“The radiation sessions broke me,” she said, adding that each visit felt heavier than the last.

Explaining what patients often endure, Dr Ajgaonkar says, “Common side effects of radiation therapy include fatigue, skin redness or irritation, hair loss in the treated area, and mild pain or swelling. These can be managed with adequate rest, nutritious food, and proper skin care, following the doctor’s instructions closely.”

“I felt burned. My skin started turning dark, and the flaky skin and hair loss became impossible for me to bear,” Nehal shared.

Surgery, Loss, And Strength

According to the Mayo Clinic, a lumpectomy, also known as partial mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery, involves removing only the cancer-affected portion of the breast and is often followed by radiation therapy to lower the risk of recurrence.

Dr Ajgaonkar explains, “Lumpectomy is very effective for early-stage breast cancer when combined with radiation therapy. In many cases, survival rates are similar to those of mastectomy, and the risk of recurrence remains low with proper follow-up.”

She underwent the surgery, which resulted in the removal of part of her left breast. “My left side of the breast was removed,” she said, describing a loss that went beyond the physical. Coming to terms with the change in her body took time.

“I felt incomplete for some time,” Nehal admitted, reflecting on the emotional impact of the surgery. Gradually, however, healing reshaped her perspective. What once felt like a loss became a symbol of survival.

Post-lumpectomy, doctors suggested radiation therapy for her to reduce the risk of recurrence. Radiation therapy uses powerful energy beams to destroy cancer cells, but it took a toll on her body.

The physical discomfort was constant, but it was the emotional strain that weighed on her the most. Fear of the sessions, uncertainty about outcomes, and the relentless cycle of treatment left her drained.

The Way To Recovery

“I used to cry day and night and was also scared to go through the sessions,” she admitted. Yet, through the exhaustion and fear, Nehal found strength in her family. “I stayed strong for my daughters and husband,” she said, explaining how their presence gave her the courage to keep going even on days when she felt defeated.

Over time, the treatment began to work. Scans eventually showed no trace of cancer, and Nehal was declared cancer-free. But the journey did not end there. “The catch was the chances of relapse,” she said. Doctors advised regular follow-ups every six months.

Delivering a final message, Dr Ajgaonkar urges women not to delay care. “Do not let fear or assumptions delay your healthcare. Many conditions, including cancer, are easier to treat when found early. Delaying treatment can impact outcomes. Be attentive and seek timely help.”

Nehal’s experience stands as a reminder that breast cancer does not always announce itself. “It made me stronger, and I came out resilient,” she said. Sometimes, the biggest diseases hide behind subtle symptoms, waiting to be questioned.

Explaining how easily this happens, Dr Utkarsh Ajgaonkar, Consultant, Surgical Oncology at TGH Onco Life Cancer Centre, says, “Breast cancer can begin with very subtle or painless symptoms. Many women do not feel pain in the early stages. A small lump in the breast or underarm, slight skin thickening, or minimal shape changes may be the only signs.”

When Subtle Changes Feel Normal

For Nehal, a 39-year-old nurse at a government hospital in Delhi, the changes felt routine at first. She had been consciously losing weight to stay fit, and her body was responding accordingly. Her breast size reduced slightly. Her clothes fit differently. None of it seemed unusual.

“I did not expect it to be breast cancer. I’m a nurse myself and was losing weight to stay healthy and fit,” she said. Breast cancer did not knock on the door loudly; it blended in with the physical changes. What she did not expect was how easily breast cancer could hide behind routine bodily changes.

The lump did not feel alarming. There was no pain, no significant growth. With her medical background, Nehal assumed she would recognise something serious instantly. Somewhere during this phase, a lump developed in her armpit or axilla. It did not hurt. It did not draw attention. In fact, Nehal barely noticed it forming.

“While I was losing weight, I believe I developed a lump, because I never really noticed a lump growing on my armpit,” she explained.

According to Dr Ajgaonkar, this assumption is common. “Many women dismiss breast or underarm lumps as harmless, especially when they are painless. Unfortunately, that is often how early breast cancer presents itself.”

What Studies Say

Breast cancer begins as an abnormal growth of cells in breast tissue. According to the Mayo Clinic, “After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States. But breast cancer doesn’t just happen in women. Everyone is born with some breast tissue, so anyone can get breast cancer.”

According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study published in July 2025, there is no standard definition of a “normal” breast. Breasts may feel lumpy or uneven and can change due to menstruation, pregnancy, weight fluctuations, medications, or ageing. This wide range of normal often leads women to overlook early warning signs.

For Nehal, the logic seemed simple. She was losing weight, so physical changes were expected. “There were changes in my breast size which appeared normal to me initially since I was losing weight,” she said. The underarm lump, she assumed, was a pus-filled pimple that would eventually resolve.

The Trigger That Changed Her Perspective

Awareness came unexpectedly. One day, while scrolling through Instagram, Nehal came across a post about breast health. “When I came across a post on Instagram talking about breast health out of the blue, I guess that was a sign from the universe,” she recalled.

Prompted by curiosity, she examined her underarm and breast more closely. Still, she was not convinced that anything was wrong. “I started checking my underarm and breast to spot any unusual lump and still thought it was a pus-filled pimple which had gotten big,” she said.

She consulted a physician at her hospital and explained the entire situation. Medication was prescribed to help the lump burst on its own. There was no improvement. Later, during a casual discussion with friends about a breast cancer case, something unsettled her. “Something just struck my mind,” Nehal said. That moment pushed her to consult an oncologist.

A Diagnosis That Shattered Assumptions

The scan confirmed what she had not prepared for- stage 2 breast cancer. “It shook me,” she admitted. Stage 2 breast cancer indicates that the tumour has grown and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes, but it remains treatable. Early detection significantly improves outcomes.

Medical experts list common symptoms as breast or underarm lumps, changes in breast size or shape, nipple inversion, skin dimpling, peeling or flaking of the skin, and redness or darkening. Many of these overlap with benign conditions, making early detection difficult.

Dr Ajgaonkar reiterates, “Listening to your body and seeking timely medical advice can save your life. A simple check-up can bring clarity and peace of mind.”

The CDC study also highlights that while most breast lumps are non-cancerous, often caused by fibrocystic changes or cysts, any new or persistent lump should be evaluated promptly.

Treatment and Its Toll

Her breast cancer treatment began almost immediately after the diagnosis. Nehal underwent repeated screenings, lumpectomy, followed by radiation therapy. A phase she describes as the most physically and emotionally exhausting period of her life.

“The radiation sessions broke me,” she said, adding that each visit felt heavier than the last.

Explaining what patients often endure, Dr Ajgaonkar says, “Common side effects of radiation therapy include fatigue, skin redness or irritation, hair loss in the treated area, and mild pain or swelling. These can be managed with adequate rest, nutritious food, and proper skin care, following the doctor’s instructions closely.”

“I felt burned. My skin started turning dark, and the flaky skin and hair loss became impossible for me to bear,” Nehal shared.

Surgery, Loss, And Strength

According to the Mayo Clinic, a lumpectomy, also known as partial mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery, involves removing only the cancer-affected portion of the breast and is often followed by radiation therapy to lower the risk of recurrence.

Dr Ajgaonkar explains, “Lumpectomy is very effective for early-stage breast cancer when combined with radiation therapy. In many cases, survival rates are similar to those of mastectomy, and the risk of recurrence remains low with proper follow-up.”

She underwent the surgery, which resulted in the removal of part of her left breast. “My left side of the breast was removed,” she said, describing a loss that went beyond the physical. Coming to terms with the change in her body took time.

“I felt incomplete for some time,” Nehal admitted, reflecting on the emotional impact of the surgery. Gradually, however, healing reshaped her perspective. What once felt like a loss became a symbol of survival.

Post-lumpectomy, doctors suggested radiation therapy for her to reduce the risk of recurrence. Radiation therapy uses powerful energy beams to destroy cancer cells, but it took a toll on her body.

The physical discomfort was constant, but it was the emotional strain that weighed on her the most. Fear of the sessions, uncertainty about outcomes, and the relentless cycle of treatment left her drained.

The Way To Recovery

“I used to cry day and night and was also scared to go through the sessions,” she admitted. Yet, through the exhaustion and fear, Nehal found strength in her family. “I stayed strong for my daughters and husband,” she said, explaining how their presence gave her the courage to keep going even on days when she felt defeated.

Over time, the treatment began to work. Scans eventually showed no trace of cancer, and Nehal was declared cancer-free. But the journey did not end there. “The catch was the chances of relapse,” she said. Doctors advised regular follow-ups every six months.

Delivering a final message, Dr Ajgaonkar urges women not to delay care. “Do not let fear or assumptions delay your healthcare. Many conditions, including cancer, are easier to treat when found early. Delaying treatment can impact outcomes. Be attentive and seek timely help.”

Nehal’s experience stands as a reminder that breast cancer does not always announce itself. “It made me stronger, and I came out resilient,” she said. Sometimes, the biggest diseases hide behind subtle symptoms, waiting to be questioned.

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