57 YEAR OLD MALE PAST SQAUMOUS CELL CARCINOMA PRIMARY IN RIGHT TONSIL 1999, RIGHT RADICAL NECK DISSECTION, RADIATION, REMOVED TWO TUMORS, SEVERAL LYMPH GLAND, JUGULAR VEIN, NECK  MUSCLE, TRANSFERRED TRAPEZIUS MUSCLE TO SUPPORT NECK.  CHECKUPS OVER THE YEARS HAVE PROVED TO NOT HAVE A REOCCURENCE OF CANCER BUT HAD STINT PUT IN LEFT MAIN CARORTED ARTERY AT THE "Y" DUE TO POSSIBLE RADIATION SHRINKAGE.  BLOOD TEST REVEAL THEY ARE IN THE NORMAL RANGE JUST RECENTLY IN AUGUST.  NOW CONCERNED AS I STILL SMOKE AND DRINK SOCIALLY AND HAVE JUST NOTICED A SORE HARD LUMP IN MY LEFT ARMPIT A WEEK AGO.  I KNOW I NEED TO GO SEE A DOCTOR BUT DO YOU THINK IT COULD BE A REOCCURENCE OF CANCER
Hi and thanks for the query, It might be difficult to attribute this to a recurrence or not. However, considering the past history of a squamous cell carcinoma, it is a big possibility. A clinical evaluation however is required to ascertain other surrounding lymph nodes if any. A chest X-ray and CT scan of the tumor site could be important in appreciating the area, and any new masses. Tumor markers are not very sensitive for this tumor, and after a proper clinical review, recurrence could mainly be diagnosed on the basis of a biopsy. However, a proper clinical review with specific outcomes would provide adequate information that can permit to either accept or refute this possibility. I suggest you seek the services of your treating physician. Kind regards