Sudden Enlargement of Armpit Lump: Causes and Concerns

Q: Sudden Enlargement of Armpit Lump: Causes and Concerns

Mr. <br>Chen： Hello, if the pain disappears and returns to normal, it may be an inflammatory response. <br>If the pain persists and worsens, I recommend visiting a family medicine clinic or a general surgery clinic, where a physician can perform a physical examination or further

A sudden enlargement of a lump in the armpit within a short period of time?

Hello, I originally had a small lump under my left armpit, which was so small that I didn't pay much attention to it; it was about the size of a fingernail and oval-shaped.
Today, I suddenly noticed that it has swollen significantly, growing to about 1 centimeter in size, roughly the size of a third of a finger.
It is a bit painful when pressed, but it feels hard.
I haven't experienced any fever or cold symptoms, and the only difference from my usual routine is that I stayed up late and ate some snacks that day.
I have had a similar lump before, but it gradually decreased in size to what I initially described.
Could this be inflammation or something else? However, I haven't had a cold or injury...

Chen Yanhao, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/06/14

Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology

Mr.
Chen: Hello, if the pain disappears and returns to normal, it may be an inflammatory response.
If the pain persists and worsens, I recommend visiting a family medicine clinic or a general surgery clinic, where a physician can perform a physical examination or further tests for evaluation.
Thank you! Dr.
Kao Chung-Shu, Department of Oncology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2017/06/14

More Info

The sudden enlargement of a lump in the armpit can be concerning, and it is important to understand the potential causes and when to seek medical attention. Based on your description, you previously had a small lump that has now increased in size to about 1 cm over the course of one to two days, and it is painful to the touch. Here are some possible explanations for this change:
1. Lymphadenopathy: The most common cause of a lump in the armpit is swollen lymph nodes, which can occur due to various reasons. Lymph nodes can swell in response to infections (viral or bacterial), inflammation, or even malignancies. Given that you mentioned you have not experienced any fever or cold symptoms, it is still possible that your body is responding to a minor infection or inflammation elsewhere, even if you are not aware of it.

2. Infection: Localized infections, such as an abscess or skin infection, can lead to swelling of the lymph nodes in the area. If you have any cuts, insect bites, or skin irritations in the vicinity, these could be potential sources of infection.

3. Benign Tumors: Conditions such as lipomas (fatty tumors) or cysts can also present as lumps in the armpit. These are usually benign and may fluctuate in size. However, if they become painful or change rapidly, further evaluation is warranted.

4. Malignancy: Although less common, a sudden change in the size of a lump can sometimes indicate a more serious condition, such as lymphoma or other cancers. This is particularly concerning if there are other associated symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or persistent fatigue.

5. Reaction to Stress or Lifestyle Changes: You mentioned that you had a late night and consumed snacks, which could potentially lead to temporary changes in your body, including stress responses that might cause lymph nodes to swell.

Given these possibilities, it is advisable to monitor the lump closely. If it continues to grow, becomes increasingly painful, or if you develop additional symptoms such as fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss, you should seek medical evaluation promptly. A healthcare provider may perform a physical examination and may recommend imaging studies (like an ultrasound) or a biopsy if necessary to determine the nature of the lump.

In summary, while the sudden enlargement of a lump in the armpit can be due to various benign causes, it is essential to remain vigilant and consult a healthcare professional if there are any concerning changes or if the lump does not resolve. Early evaluation can help rule out serious conditions and provide peace of mind.

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