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Armpit lump

Lump in the armpit; Localized lymphadenopathy - armpit; Axillary lymphadenopathy; Axillary lymph enlargement; Lymph nodes enlargement - axillary; Axillary abscess

 

An armpit lump is a swelling or bump under the arm. A lump in the armpit can have many causes. These include swollen lymph nodes, infections, or cysts.

Causes

 

Lumps in the armpit may have many causes.

Lymph nodes act as filters that can catch germs or cancerous tumor cells. When they do, lymph nodes increase in size and are easily felt. Reasons lymph nodes in the armpit area may be enlarged are:

  • Arm or breast infection
  • Some body wide infections, such as mono, AIDS, or herpes
  • Cancers, such as lymphomas or breast cancer

Cysts or abscesses under the skin may also produce large, painful lumps in the armpit. These may be caused by shaving or use of antiperspirants (not deodorants). This is most often seen in teens just beginning to shave.

Other causes of armpit lumps may include:

  • Cat scratch disease
  • Lipomas (harmless fatty growths)
  • Use of certain medicines or vaccinations

 

Home Care

 

Home care depends on the reason for the lump. Check with your health care provider to determine the cause.

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

An armpit lump in a woman may be a sign of breast cancer, and it should be checked by a health care provider right away.

Call your provider if you have an unexplained armpit lump. Do not try to diagnose lumps by yourself.

 

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

 

Your provider will examine you and gently press on the nodes. You will be asked questions about your medical history and symptoms, such as:

  • When did you first notice the lump? Has the lump changed?
  • Are you breastfeeding?
  • Is there anything that makes the lump worse?
  • Is the lump painful?
  • Do you have any other symptoms?

You may need more tests, depending on the results of your physical exam.

 

 

References

Armitage JO, Bierman PJ. Approach to the patient with lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 168.

Tower RL, Camitta BM. Lymphadenopathy. In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St. Geme JW III, Schor NF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 490.

 
  • Female Breast - illustration

    The female breast is either of two mammary glands (organs of milk secretion) on the chest.

    Female Breast

    illustration

  • Lymphatic system - illustration

    The lymphatic system filters fluid from around cells. It is an important part of the immune system. When people refer to swollen glands in the neck, they are usually referring to swollen lymph nodes. Common areas where lymph nodes can be easily felt, especially if they are enlarged, are: the groin, armpits (axilla), above the clavicle (supraclavicular), in the neck (cervical), and the back of the head just above hairline (occipital).

    Lymphatic system

    illustration

  • Swollen lymph nodes under arm - illustration

    Lymph nodes can become swollen as an immune response to local infection.

    Swollen lymph nodes under arm

    illustration

    • Female Breast - illustration

      The female breast is either of two mammary glands (organs of milk secretion) on the chest.

      Female Breast

      illustration

    • Lymphatic system - illustration

      The lymphatic system filters fluid from around cells. It is an important part of the immune system. When people refer to swollen glands in the neck, they are usually referring to swollen lymph nodes. Common areas where lymph nodes can be easily felt, especially if they are enlarged, are: the groin, armpits (axilla), above the clavicle (supraclavicular), in the neck (cervical), and the back of the head just above hairline (occipital).

      Lymphatic system

      illustration

    • Swollen lymph nodes under arm - illustration

      Lymph nodes can become swollen as an immune response to local infection.

      Swollen lymph nodes under arm

      illustration

    Self Care

     

      Tests for Armpit lump

       

         

        Review Date: 8/14/2015

        Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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