Armpit Lump

Armpit Lump: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Medical Attention

What is an Armpit Lump?

An armpit lump is a noticeable growth beneath the skin in the uppermost region of the inner arm. It can feel like a small pea or other object and can occur in individuals of all ages and genders. Most armpit lumps have benign causes, with serious conditions being relatively uncommon.

What Does an Armpit Lump Indicate?

While armpit lumps can rarely be a sign of cancer, they are more commonly linked to factors such as irritation, blockages, or injuries affecting:

• Hair follicles
• Lymph nodes
• Muscles
• Skin

Texture and Additional Symptoms of an Armpit Lump

The texture of an armpit lump can range from hard to soft and may feel unusually warm. You might also experience additional symptoms such as fever, pain, and redness in the area. The lump could:

• Contain pus
• Fluctuate in size during physical activity and diminish at rest
• Exhibit slight mobility when pressure is applied

Possible Causes of an Armpit Lump

Enlarged Lymph Nodes

Enlarged lymph nodes, often due to inflammation, are a common cause. People with lupus frequently experience swollen lymph nodes leading to armpit lumps.

Cancer and Noncancerous Tumors

Adult soft tissue sarcoma

• Breast cancer
• Fibroadenomas of the breast
• Leukemia
• Lymphoma

Hair Follicle Issues

• Blocked or inflamed hair follicles (hidradenitis suppurativa)
• Boils and carbuncles
• Cysts (epidermal inclusion cysts or pilar cysts around hair follicles)
• Folliculitis
• Ingrown hairs

Injuries

• Excessive stretching
• Trauma from impacts, falls, or incidents affecting the arm

Skin-related Problems

• Lipomas (fat cell accumulations)
• Impetigo
• Irritation from shaving
• Skin rashes
• Skin tags

Viral Infections

• Influenza (flu)
• Mononucleosis

Vaccines and Armpit Lumps

Some individuals may develop an armpit lump after receiving vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine or flu shot. These lumps typically appear on the side where the shot was administered and are a result of the immune system's response. They usually resolve within a few weeks.

How Does a Cancerous Lump Feel?

Cancer-related lumps are typically rigid, non-mobile, and often painful when touched. However, a lump's presence does not necessarily mean cancer. Comprehensive evaluation through imaging tests and potential biopsies is required for an accurate diagnosis.

Care and Treatment for Armpit Lumps

Watchful Waiting

For lumps likely to resolve naturally, monitoring rather than immediate treatment might be appropriate.

Medical Treatments

• Antibiotics: for infections
• Over-the-counter pain relievers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: for discomfort
• Surgical removal: for lipomas, cysts, or other skin-related issues

Prognosis for Armpit Lumps

Most armpit lumps tend to dissipate on their own within several weeks. It's possible to develop new lumps due to infections, vaccine responses, or skin problems, but most of these lumps are harmless.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Consult a healthcare provider if an armpit lump:

• Persists for more than two weeks
• Is firm and painful
• Increases in size
• Reappears after removal
• Is accompanied by a fever or signs of infection
• Becomes suddenly tender

Early consultation can help determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. Read More