Painful Lumps in Armpits and Groin: Causes and Concerns

There are hard lumps in the armpit and groin that are suppurating?

Hello Dr.
Lee,
In 2015, the first physician diagnosed a fibrocystic condition in my left breast.
On August 11, 2016, the physician diagnosed it as mastitis and performed a second debridement surgery.
Recently, I have noticed hard lumps in my armpit and groin areas; there is more than one lump, they are immobile, painful, and have pus.
Additionally, there are multiple small, painless lumps that do not have pus.
The most prominent one is on my neck; this lump is not painful, does not have pus, and has not increased in size, but it has not resolved for a long time.

I would like to ask Dr.
Lee:
1.
Are these multiple hard lumps related to the breast condition?
2.
Do these hard lumps require a follow-up examination?
Furthermore, I would like to ask Dr.
Lee another question: After the debridement for mastitis in my left breast, although there has been no recurrence of pus, I experience daily sharp pain and redness.
Is this normal breast pain?
Thank you, Dr.
Lee, for taking the time to answer my questions.
I appreciate your help.

Miss Lin, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/03/17

Dr. Li Zhonghuai reply Surgery

Hello! It is recommended to perform an ultrasound to diagnose the lumps in the armpit and groin.
After the debridement of left breast mastitis, it is inevitable to experience some pain due to potential damage to small nerves, and redness and swelling may indicate further issues.
It is advisable to return for follow-up to check for any recurrence.
Take care! Changhua Hospital cares about you!

Reply Date: 2017/03/17

More Info

Understanding painful lumps in the armpits and groin can be a complex issue that often requires careful evaluation by a healthcare professional. Based on the symptoms you've described, it seems you are experiencing multiple hard lumps in your armpits and groin, some of which are painful and have shown signs of infection (such as pus), while others are painless and have not changed in size. Additionally, you have a history of breast issues, including a diagnosis of fibrocystic changes and a previous case of mastitis that required surgical intervention.

1. Are the lumps related to your breast condition?
The presence of lumps in the armpits and groin may or may not be directly related to your previous breast conditions. Lumps in the armpit (axillary region) can often be lymph nodes that have become enlarged due to infection, inflammation, or other causes. Given your history of breast inflammation (mastitis), it is possible that the lymph nodes in your armpit are reacting to the previous infection or other inflammatory processes. However, the presence of hard lumps in the groin area could suggest other conditions, such as inguinal lymphadenopathy, which can occur due to infections, sexually transmitted diseases, or other systemic issues.

2. Should you seek further evaluation?
Yes, it is advisable to return to your healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation of these lumps. A physical examination is essential, and your doctor may recommend imaging studies (like an ultrasound) or a biopsy to determine the nature of these lumps. The fact that some lumps are painful and have pus suggests that they may be infected, which requires prompt medical attention. Infections can lead to complications if not treated appropriately.

3. Regarding the ongoing pain and swelling in your left breast:
Experiencing pain, redness, and swelling in the breast after a history of mastitis can be concerning. While some discomfort may persist after an infection has resolved, ongoing pain and inflammation warrant further investigation. This could be due to residual inflammation, scar tissue formation, or even the development of new issues such as cysts or abscesses. It is not uncommon for patients to experience lingering symptoms after an episode of mastitis, but it is crucial to have these symptoms evaluated to rule out any serious conditions.

In summary, the presence of painful lumps in the armpits and groin, along with ongoing breast pain, should not be ignored. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional who can perform a comprehensive evaluation and provide appropriate management. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to addressing any potential complications and ensuring your overall health and well-being.

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