Lumps in Armpit Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Help

There is a hard lump in the axillary lymph nodes?

Hello Doctor, I recently discovered a round, movable lump under my armpit.
It is not painful, but when I squeeze my armpit or wear thick clothing, it feels slightly bruised.
I initially didn't pay much attention to it, but then I developed a rash or something similar on my left breast, which is red, itchy, and swollen.
The surrounding area is also very itchy.
After three to four days, the skin near my ribs under the armpit and the same side of my shoulder blade started to itch as well.
However, when I look in the mirror, these two areas do not appear red or swollen, and they look normal, but they are very itchy and this has been ongoing for two to three days, with the itchy spots remaining the same each day.
Doctor, could this be related to my axillary lymph nodes? If I need to see a doctor, which specialty should I consult? Thank you.

Zhou, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/03/27

Dr. Hu Ziren reply Oncology

It is recommended to see a dermatologist.

Reply Date: 2018/03/27

More Info

When it comes to lumps in the armpit lymph nodes, it's essential to understand the potential implications and when to seek medical help. The presence of a movable, hard lump in the lymph nodes, especially if it is painless, can often be benign, such as a reactive lymph node due to an infection or inflammation. However, the accompanying symptoms you described, including the rash or irritation on your left breast and the itching in the surrounding areas, warrant further investigation.

Lymph nodes can swell for various reasons, including infections, inflammatory conditions, or malignancies. In your case, the fact that the lump is movable and not painful is generally a good sign, but the development of a rash or other skin changes in the same area raises some concerns. The skin issues you mentioned, such as the red, itchy patches, could be related to a localized allergic reaction, dermatitis, or even an infection that might be causing the lymph nodes to react.

It is important to note that while many lymph node enlargements are benign, persistent changes, especially when accompanied by skin symptoms, should not be ignored. The itching and discomfort you are experiencing could be indicative of an underlying condition that may require treatment.
Given your symptoms, it would be advisable to consult a healthcare professional. You may want to start with a visit to a primary care physician or a dermatologist. A primary care physician can evaluate your symptoms, perform a physical examination, and determine if further testing is necessary, such as blood tests or imaging studies. If the primary care physician finds it necessary, they may refer you to a specialist, such as an oncologist or an infectious disease expert, depending on their findings.

In summary, while the lump in your armpit lymph node may not be alarming on its own, the combination of symptoms you are experiencing suggests that it is prudent to seek medical advice. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional will help determine the cause of your symptoms and guide you toward the appropriate treatment if needed. Don't hesitate to make an appointment, as early intervention can often lead to better outcomes.

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