Lumps Under the Armpit: Causes and When to Seek Help - Oncology

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Lumps under the armpit can be concerning, and it's important to understand the potential causes and when to seek medical attention. Based on your description, it seems that you have noticed a lump in your left armpit that is not painful but tends to swell before your menstrual period and diminishes after menstruation. This pattern suggests that the lump may be related to hormonal changes in your body, which is not uncommon.


Possible Causes
1. Lymph Nodes: The armpit (axillary area) contains lymph nodes, which can become swollen due to various reasons, including infections, inflammation, or hormonal changes. In your case, the swelling correlating with your menstrual cycle could indicate that these lymph nodes are reacting to hormonal fluctuations.

2. Fibrocystic Changes: Many women experience fibrocystic breast changes, which can also affect the tissue in the armpit area. These changes can cause lumps that may fluctuate in size and tenderness with the menstrual cycle.

3. Hormonal Fluctuations: Hormones such as estrogen and progesterone can cause breast and surrounding tissue to swell before menstruation. This can lead to temporary lumps or swelling in the armpit area.

4. Cysts: Sometimes, cysts can form in the breast or surrounding tissues, which may also lead to lumps in the armpit. These are usually benign and can fluctuate in size.

5. Infections: Although you mentioned that the lump is not painful, infections can still cause lymph nodes to swell. If there were any signs of infection, such as redness or warmth, this would warrant further investigation.


When to Seek Help
While many lumps under the armpit are benign and related to hormonal changes, it is essential to monitor the situation. Here are some guidelines on when to seek medical attention:
- Persistent Lump: If the lump does not go away after your menstrual cycle or continues to grow, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider.


- Changes in Characteristics: If the lump becomes painful, hard, or changes in texture, this could indicate a need for further evaluation.

- Associated Symptoms: If you experience other symptoms such as fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or changes in your breast tissue, you should seek medical advice promptly.

- Family History: If you have a family history of breast cancer or other related conditions, it is wise to discuss any new lumps with your doctor.


Recommended Specialists
For evaluation of a lump under the armpit, you may consider seeing:
- Primary Care Physician: They can perform an initial examination and refer you to a specialist if necessary.

- Gynecologist: Given the hormonal connection with your menstrual cycle, a gynecologist can provide insights into whether the lump is related to hormonal changes.

- Breast Specialist: If there is any concern about the nature of the lump, a breast specialist can conduct further imaging studies, such as an ultrasound or mammogram, and provide a more detailed evaluation.


Conclusion
In summary, while the lump under your armpit may be related to hormonal changes and is not currently causing pain, it is essential to monitor it closely. If you notice any changes or if it persists beyond your menstrual cycle, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. Early evaluation can provide peace of mind and ensure that any potential issues are addressed promptly.