The discovery of a lump in your armpit can be a sudden, disconcerting finding. Often, our minds leap to the worst-case scenarios – cancer, infection, or some other serious health condition. However, the truth is that armpit lumps can have a wide range of causes, ranging from harmless and temporary to serious and chronic. Deciphering the potential meaning behind this symptom is essential for your peace of mind and your long-term health.
Understanding the various factors involved here can not only allay unnecessary fears but also prompt timely treatment when it's required.
There's a multitude of possible reasons for a lump to develop in your armpit, and not all of them are related to the lymph nodes. The armpit area includes a complex network of structures that, when affected by various factors, might result in a palpable mass. Some common causes include:
Lymph nodes, which are part of the body's immune system, may swell in response to infections, trauma, or, in rare cases, as a sign of cancer. Infections such as mononucleosis, bacterial infections, or cat scratch fever can cause noticeable swelling in the lymph nodes.
Sebaceous cysts, which are noncancerous, closed sacs or lumps that are often filled with fluid, can develop in the armpit from blocked sweat glands or hair follicles. While they are typically benign, large or painful cysts may require treatment by a healthcare professional.
These are noncancerous, fatty growths that often are mobile under the skin and can develop anywhere on the body. Lipomas sometimes grow in the armpits. They can be left alone unless they become painful or are growing rapidly, in which case they should be evaluated by a doctor.
Inflammatory conditions such as hidradenitis suppurativa, a chronic skin condition that features pea-sized to marble-sized lumps under the skin, can occur in the armpit. Hidradenitis suppurativa lumps can break open and drain foul-smelling liquid or break open and cause tunnels under the skin.
Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can cause painful lumps in the armpit. A simple case of folliculitis, an inflammation of the hair follicles, can lead to a tender boil under the skin, for example.
Breast Cancer can also be sometimes present in armpits. The axillary tail of Spence refers to a contiguous extension of adipose angling superolaterally from the primary breast into the axilla.
Determining when an armpit lump should be of concern isn't always straightforward, but here are some red flags that should prompt further action:
If a lump in your armpit is larger than a pea, doesn't go away after a few weeks, or is growing rapidly, you should have it evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Lumps that are hard, irregular in shape, fixed in place, and painless are more concerning than those that are soft, round, and moveable. However, any lump causing significant pain warrants attention.
If the lump is accompanied by symptoms such as fever, unexplained weight loss, or changes in your skin, you should make an appointment to check in with your doctor.
If you have a history of cancer or are at a higher risk due to family history, you should be even more diligent about having any new lumps evaluated promptly.
Managing and monitoring an armpit lump will depend on its cause and any accompanying symptoms. In most cases, you can follow these general steps:
Regular self-examinations can help you detect changes in your body early. Make sure to be consistent in how and when you examine yourself so that you can confidently recognize what's normal for your body and what's not.
Keep a close eye on the lump, and make note of any changes in size, shape, or symptoms over time. This information is invaluable for your healthcare provider in making a diagnosis.
If the lump is associated with an infection or an inflammatory condition, good hygiene practices, and specific skin care regimens may help improve or prevent recurrence of symptoms.
If you're above a certain age or have risk factors, regular cancer screenings can ensure that any lumps are caught and addressed early. Follow your healthcare provider's recommendations on when to get screened
When it comes to the health of lumps in your armpit, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and get professional advice. Here's how you can go about it:
Start by making an appointment with your primary care provider. They'll conduct a physical examination and may order further tests such as blood work, an ultrasound, or a biopsy.
Depending on the preliminary findings, your doctor may refer you to specialists such as a dermatologist, surgeon, infectious disease specialist, or an oncologist.
If the lump is suspected to be cancerous, procedures like a PET scan, MRI, or CT scan may be necessary for staging the cancer.
The treatment for armpit lumps will vary widely depending on the cause, ranging from watchful waiting for benign conditions to surgery or chemotherapy for cancer.
In many cases, armpit lumps are not a sign of cancer, but rather a reaction to a benign cause. However, it is important not to dismiss any unusual lumps or changes in your body. For comprehensive skin cancer treatment in India, American Oncology Institute stands out as the premier multi-disciplinary oncology hospital known for excellence in care.
