Armpit Lumps: Causes, Treatment, and When to See a Doctor

Axillary mass

Hello doctor, a few days ago I noticed a hard lump suddenly appeared under my armpit.
It has been slowly getting bigger, and today is the third day, but it has stopped growing.
It is a bit painful when I press on it.
What could this issue be? I visited a general clinic yesterday, and the doctor prescribed antibiotics for me.
Will this help? Today, the lump has developed a small hole and is leaking a lot of blood and pus, which has a bit of a foul smell.
If I need to see a doctor again, which specialty should I consult? Thank you.

Yuxuan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/07/25

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology

You can just have the original physician take a look at it again.

Reply Date: 2017/07/25

More Info

When it comes to armpit lumps, there are several potential causes, and understanding these can help you determine the appropriate course of action. The lump you described, which has become painful and has developed a small opening that is discharging blood and pus, raises some important considerations.

Possible Causes of Armpit Lumps
1. Lymphadenopathy: The lymph nodes in the armpit can become swollen due to infections, inflammation, or malignancies. Infections, particularly bacterial ones, can lead to painful swollen lymph nodes.

2. Abscess: The presence of pus and a foul odor suggests that you may have developed an abscess, which is a collection of pus that can occur due to bacterial infection. Abscesses can be painful and may require drainage.

3. Cysts: Sebaceous cysts can form in the armpit area and may become inflamed or infected, leading to pain and discharge.

4. Skin Infections: Conditions like folliculitis or cellulitis can also cause lumps in the armpit, often accompanied by redness, warmth, and tenderness.

5. Tumors: While less common, both benign and malignant tumors can present as lumps in the armpit.

Treatment and Management
Given that you have already seen a doctor who prescribed antibiotics, this is a good first step, especially if an infection is suspected. Antibiotics can help treat bacterial infections, but if the lump is an abscess, it may need to be drained to promote healing and alleviate pain.

When to See a Doctor
You should consider seeing a doctor again if:
- The lump continues to grow or does not improve with antibiotics.

- You experience increased pain, fever, or other systemic symptoms.

- The discharge becomes more profuse or changes in color or odor.

- You notice any new symptoms, such as weight loss or night sweats.

Which Specialist to See
If you need to follow up, you can see a primary care physician or a dermatologist. A primary care physician can assess the lump and may refer you to a specialist if necessary. A dermatologist specializes in skin conditions and can provide targeted treatment for skin-related issues, including abscesses and cysts.

Conclusion
In summary, the lump in your armpit could be due to several causes, with infection being a likely culprit given the symptoms you've described. Continuing antibiotics is important, but if symptoms persist or worsen, further evaluation and possibly drainage of an abscess may be necessary. Always listen to your body and seek medical attention if you feel that something is not right. Your health is paramount, and timely intervention can prevent complications.

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