Lumps in the Armpit: Causes and When to Seek Help

There is a hard lump in the armpit?

Recently, I have developed four hard lumps under my right armpit, some of which are painful while others are not.
On the left side, there is one lump that causes slight pain but sometimes goes away.
I usually apply a bit of antiperspirant, so I would like to know what is happening with my body.

Mùxīng, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/03/26

Dr. Hu Ziren reply Oncology

Could it just be dyshidrotic eczema or acne? It is recommended to keep the armpits dry and maintain good hygiene.

Reply Date: 2019/03/26

More Info

Lumps in the armpit can be concerning, and it's important to understand the potential causes and when to seek medical attention. The presence of hard lumps in the armpit area, especially if they are painful or changing in size, can be attributed to several factors.

1. Lymph Nodes: The armpit contains lymph nodes, which are part of the immune system. They can become swollen or tender due to infections, inflammation, or other conditions. Common causes include infections (like a cold or flu), skin infections (such as abscesses), or even localized infections in the arm or breast area.

2. Cysts: Sebaceous cysts can develop in the armpit due to blocked sebaceous glands. These are usually benign and may not cause significant pain unless they become infected.

3. Lipomas: These are benign tumors made of fat tissue. They are usually soft, movable, and painless. However, if they grow larger, they may become uncomfortable.

4. Infections: Conditions like folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles) or hidradenitis suppurativa (a chronic skin condition) can lead to painful lumps in the armpit.

5. Breast-related Issues: In some cases, lumps in the armpit can be related to breast tissue, especially in women. Conditions like fibrocystic breast changes or even breast cancer can present with lymph node involvement in the armpit.

6. Other Causes: Rarely, lumps can be due to more serious conditions, such as lymphoma or other cancers.

When to Seek Help
It is advisable to seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- The lumps persist for more than two weeks.

- They increase in size or number.

- You experience significant pain, redness, or warmth in the area.

- There are accompanying symptoms such as fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss.

- You notice changes in your breast tissue or experience unusual breast symptoms.

Diagnosis and Treatment
A healthcare provider will typically perform a physical examination and may recommend imaging studies (like an ultrasound) or a biopsy if there is concern about the nature of the lumps. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause. For example, infections may require antibiotics, while cysts might need to be drained if they are painful or infected.

Conclusion
While many causes of lumps in the armpit are benign and self-limiting, it is essential to monitor the situation closely. Given your description of multiple lumps, some painful and others not, it would be prudent to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment can help address any underlying issues and provide peace of mind.

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