Lump under Arm
A lump underarm is always referred to as the enlargement of at least one of
the lymph nodes under the arm. The Lymph nodes are small and oval-shaped
glands that are found throughout the body and they play a very critical role
in the body’s immune system.
The lump can be too small. In some cases, it can be hard to be noticed. Lump
underarm can be caused by infection, cysts, or irritation caused to shaving
or by the use of antiperspirants. However, the lumps could also be an indication
of some serious underlying health conditions.
You, therefore, have to seek medical attention when you notice an armpit lump
that is gradually becoming enlarged and is not painful or does not go away.
Most of the lumps are usually harmless and are a result of abnormal
tissue growth. However, the lumps underarm might be related to a serious
health problem. Any lump that looks unusual has to be carefully examined by
a doctor.
The most common causes of lump underarm are:
- viral or bacterial infections
- lipomas, this is the harmless fat tissue growths
- an allergic reaction
- fungal infection
- adverse reactions to vaccinations
- fibroadenoma or noncancerous fibrous tissue growth
- lymphoma or the lymphatic system cancer
- breast cancer response
- leukemia, also known as blood cancer in the bone marrow
- lupus, this is an autoimmune disease that targets the joints and body organs
Painful Lump under Arm
A lump underarm can also be a sign of breast cancer, this cannot be ruled
out. It is because the breast tissue can sometimes reach up into the
armpit region. A lump can then be felt in the underarm which can be in
reality be a lump in the breast. Most people have never realized that the
breast extended that far.
Also, the lymph nodes in the armpit filter out any abnormalities like infections, reactions to drugs, cancer in the same side chest wall, breast, or arm. Therefore a lump underarm can be an indication that the lymph
nodes have identified, and are to fighting the cancer cells that have
reached them from the breast.
It will therefore be important to visit a doctor if the lump does not
disappear on its own after a couple of weeks or if it tends to be getting
worse. One should not panic as there are many other causes of lump underarm, and most of them have nothing to relate to cancer.
The most dominant cause of a lump underarm is usually an infection. The
infection may be localized to the underarm itself or it can be
widespread. It is possible to get an infection when using an
antiperspirant rather than a deodorant. An antiperspirant prevents the
sweat glands from releasing the germs that can cause infections. You can
have an abscess or a boil under the arm.
Some Viral infections chickenpox, shingles, infectious mononucleosis, and
also HIV usually cause an underarm lump. You can also get a lump under the
arm as a result of the reaction to the vaccination such as typhoid, smallpox,
measles, rubella, and mumps. In other instances, an allergic reaction to
iodine or penicillin can also lead to the formation of an underarm lump.
Generally, a lump that is moveable and causes pain is a sign of an
infection. On the other hand, a painless lump that is hard and is fixed in
one place is more likely to be cancer than one that is painful, movable,
and softer. Such a lump does not always necessarily signify that is cancer.
An unexplained lump, which is a lump that is not quickly identified as to whether being from illness or injury has about a five percent chance of
being malignant. Those who are over the age of thirty-five have a
higher chance of malignancy than those who are below.
Additionally, a lump that tends to increase in size within a few days can
probably be a result of an infection rather than a malignancy. Soreness
and redness of the skin can also be a sign of a lymph node infection and
not cancer.
Those who have a lump that has become persistent for weeks should
visit a doctor. The doctor will need to know the following during the
assessment;
- When the lump was first noticed
- if the size of the lump has changed
- whether it does hurt
- if one has noticed anything that may seem to make it worse
- if there are any other symptoms of illness
- whether you are breastfeeding
In case the answers to the above will not have shed any light on the
situation, then the doctor may have to carry out a CT scan, an ultrasound, a CT
scan, or a mammogram. Any of these will provide a clear view of what the
lump is consists of.
You can also try fine-needle aspiration. This is a procedure that draws the fluid from the affected lymph node for examination. A biopsy may be
carried out if all the above tests do not give a conclusive result.
If the lump under the arm feels painful and is a soft lump, then it might be
that the skin around it is red, and it seems to be growing. This can most
probably be from an infection. You, therefore, have to visit the doctor for
some antibiotics.
If the lump underarm is hard and painless, and it seems to be fixed in
place or feel like it is connected to the other hard lumps and seems not
to be changing in size day today, it does not grow quickly, then you have
to consult and visit a doctor to rule out cancer.
You can also make a visit to a doctor about any lump underarm that may
seem to be worsening quickly or does not disappear within a few weeks. The only time may not need to pursue the treatment of a lump in
the underarm is if it disappears entirely, and does not reoccur.
Lump under Arm that Hurts
The lump underarm that hurts can be a result of a number of things.
This includes cysts which are the fluid-filled sacs, enlarged lymph
nodes, abscesses which are the pockets of infection, infected hair
follicles, or swollen sweat glands.
This can also be a result of cancer. It cannot be ruled out. The best
way to find out the cause is by a doctor carrying out a biopsy. This
is done by taking a small sample of one of the lumps and then examining it
in a laboratory for the cancer cells.
If you noticed the lumps on both underarm areas then the cancer is rarely
symmetrical. The lumps can go away completely, cancer usually does not
spontaneously recede.
You have had this condition for a couple of years without new symptoms or
worsening (people with cancer usually notice more and more symptoms over
time).
To those experiencing a biweekly cycle of these lumps appearing and
disappearing, especially in women you are a woman whereby the lumps have a
tendency of appearing and disappearing at a particular point during the
monthly menstrual cycle.
This might then suggest that they are responding to the hormonal shifts
that usually occur regularly. An example is a condition called
hidradenitis suppurativa, a condition that causes a painful lump underarm
that comes and goes with the hormonal shifts. These lumps usually hurt.
If the lumps appear at a particular time in relation to when one shaves
the underarm, then it can be as a result of the sensitiveness to the
shaving cream that you are using. This can lead to an infection of a
hair follicle, a condition known as folliculitis.
Those that are allergic to the deodorant, and the lumps that appear and
disappear can suggest that it may not be caused by an allergy to
deodorant. If you have been using the deodorant for quite a long period of
time then you can consider testing whether you are allergic to the
deodorant by stopping it for several weeks.
The treatment for the lump underarm will require the doctor to find out
their cause. You, therefore, need to make an appointment at a time when you
expect these lumps to be many. The Treatments for benign lumps can
include;
- Hot compresses
- Over the counter pain medicine like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
Lancing by using a scalpel or needle so as to open up the lump and drain
out the fluid or pus
Acne type medications to control outbreaks
An Antibiotics for a suspected infection that is either applied directly to
the area or taken orally by mouth
Do not ever try to squeeze the lumps in an effort to pop them out. Also do
not ever try to poke the lumps using a needle to drain them out by yourself.
Squeezing or poking can lead to a more serious infection. Because you are
experiencing a lot of pain, the best course of action during this time is
to make an effort of visiting a doctor. The physician will quickly
diagnose the lump underarm and make treat them to disappear and never
reoccur.
Lump under Arm Cancer
Discovering how the breasts normally look like and feel is very
important in keeping up with breast health. By detecting cancer as
early as possible always gives one a better chance of successful
treatment. Knowing what to look for doesn’t only involve having regular
mammograms and screening tests. The Screening tests help to find cancer in
its early stages before the symptoms appear.
The common symptom of cancer is usually a new lump or mass. A painless and
hard mass that has irregular edges is more likely to be cancerous,
though for breast cancers they may be tender, rounded, or soft. They may
even be painful. It is therefore important to have any new breast lump or
mass be examined by a health care professional experienced in diagnosing
breast diseases.
Breast cancer may sometimes spread to the lymph nodes under the arm or
on the collar bone and causes swelling or a lump there. The lump underarm
may form even before the original tumor in the breast tissue is felt. The
Swollen lymph nodes have to be reported to a doctor.
Although these symptoms can also be caused by other factors than breast
cancer, therefore for those experiencing them have to make a visit to the
doctor so that he or she can find out the cause.
The mammograms do not also find every breast cancer, it is very important
for one to be aware of the changes in the breasts and be aware of the
signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
Lump under Arm Male Changes in Lymph Nodes
Swollen lymph nodes appear like small bean-shaped glands and are normally
found on the neck, underarm and other body parts. They are often an
indication that something going on in the body.
It symbolizes that the immune system is fighting a cold or sore throat or certain cancers also may make them change too. You, therefore, need to
have a doctor check on any swelling that does not get any better in about
two to four weeks.
Men usually tend to ignore breast lumps because they think breast
cancer is only for women. Statistically, about one percent of all breast
cancers occur in men, and they are usually diagnosed much later. You
really do not need to take any chances. If you notice a lump, let it be
checked by the doctor.
Lump under Arm that Moves
One can check the lump with the fingers by trying to make them move around
when applying gentle pressure. If it is just under the skin and does
not move, then can be a cyst. Cysts are usually harmless and may make the
skin turn to yellowish color and which may also cause the pea-sized
lump underarm.
Because these lumps are generally harmless, you do not need treatment.
But if these growths cause trouble or look unsightly, you can consider
options like liposuction, surgery, or steroid injections. The treatment
option that works best for you will depend on the size of the lump under the armpit.
Bacterial, fungal, or viral infection are the most causes responsible for a
lump underarm. Shaving the underarm hairs, especially in adults can
bruise and damage the underarm skin. This in turn gives a chance for the
bacteria present on the skin surface to get into the hair follicle and
cause an abscess or boil or. The lump is usually painful.
The Use of deodorants and antiperspirants can irritate the underarm skin
producing small lumps in that area.
Because the lymph fluid always drains from the breast and arms through the
lymph nodes of the underarm, any inflammation or infection in these areas
may lead to swelling of the lymph nodes of the underarm.
A hard lump underarm in women can be a cause of concern as it may be a
symptom of breast cancer. The abnormal cancer cells are always known to
cause swelling or a lump in the armpit. Therefore, women shouldn’t
neglect the lumps and instead consult the doctor as soon as possible.
The cancer lump in the underarm is usually painless, hard, and matted.
One can notice a lump underarm after vaccination in children. This usually
disappears after a few days on its own without any treatment.
Some viral infections like HIV, infectious mononucleosis, herpes may also
produce a lump in the underarm and in the groin area.
A soft lump that and moves under the skin surface and fluctuates may be a result of lipoma. A Lipoma is a non-malignant growth of fatty tissues.
Lump under Arm Breastfeeding
The lumps underarm are a worry at any time. They may be very common to
women during breastfeeding and the lumps usually come and go. The causes
for more persistent lumps can include engorgement, mastitis, and a
blocked duct. In case mastitis or engorgement are not treated well they can
lead to a breast abscess.
The Lump underarm may also be associated with breastfeeding because the
breast tissue is extended into the under arm. The Other possibilities can
also include a benign tumor or fibroma, a milk-filled cyst which is
referred to as galactocele, and inflammatory breast cancer. It is
advised that you have to check with your doctor on any lump that does not
disappear after a few weeks.
The lumps in the breast can shift location and change, they can also get
larger and smaller as the breast empties and fills. The Lumps that come
and go don’t raise any concern, but if the lump is persistent then it has
to be investigated.
The tissues in the breast extend into the under arm. During engorgement
one, you notice a lump underarm and swelling on the armpit. It is possible
to have extra breast tissue that is not connected to the breast both in
the armpit and the other body areas. This breast tissue can become
engorged when the milk first comes in.
Extra breast tissue can be a developmental variation in human anatomy. Breast development usually begins at the fourth week of gestation,
with parallel lines of glandular tissue known as the milk line that are
extending from slightly beyond the underarm area, then down the chest and
abdomen, to the groin area.
The Breasts develop from these lines of tissue and the remaining tissue
usually regresses. In some cases, there is incomplete regression of
mammary ridge during the embryo development, and extra nipples or
breast tissue forms along this line or in the other body parts. This
The Extra nipples usually form below the breasts or on the underarm
area. The extramammary tissue is located in the underarm area. The extra
nipples is more common among males.
Lump under Upper Arm
The Keratosis pilaris is commonly called KP and they usually
appear as chicken skin lumps on the skin. These lumps usually form on the
upper arms and the thighs. They can also form on the cheeks, buttocks, and back. The Keratosis pilaris while unattractive is always harmless.
A keratoacanthoma appears when the cells in the hair follicle don’t grow
normally. Their growth can be triggered by a minor injury on the skin in
an area that had previously suffered sun damage. Ultraviolet
radiation from the sun’s exposure is one of the biggest risk factors in
keratoacanthomas.
A keratoacanthoma usually appears on sun-damaged skin as a thick growth with a central crusted plug. They often appear most in people who are
of the age of fifty-five and above and they are referred to as low-grade
skin cancer. They are also rapidly growing, red in color and dome-shaped lumps with central craters. Some of them can grow to extremely
large sizes, probably one to three inches in diameter.
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These Keratoacanthomas may be removed by:
- Cryotherapy is usually done by freezing the growth with the liquid nitrogen
- This is the scraping and burning off of the growth)
- Surgical removal
- An Injection of a cancer drug directly into the lesion
This condition leads to the formation of small and rough lumps. The lumps are
usually red or white in color. They do not hurt or itch. Keratosis
pilaris can be worse during the winter season or any other time of low
humidity when skin dries up. It can also worsen at the time of pregnancy or
after giving birth.
Courtesy Annapinkus
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| A clear outline for the lump underarm that may have cancer, those that move and which are painful and that hurt. |
