Vascular Surgery

Vein under Arm 02/24/2011

Question:

Hi. A year ago I had my annual exam with my gyn.Right before I went I found a small swelling under my arm. He said it was a dilated vein. I recently had this year`s exam and the vein was still dilated. He said it was nothing to worry about but gave me no reason why it had happened. Do you know what could cause a vein there to dilate? I was worried about cancer. Thank you for your time`

Answer:

Thank you for visiting NetWellness.  There are veins in that area and some may be larger than others, but the appropriate course of action is to have your doctor evaluate it.

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Response by:

Jean E Starr, MD Clinical Associate Professor of Vascular Surgery College of Medicine The Ohio State University