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 NodesEnlarged 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