Hard Lumps in the Armpit: Causes and When to Seek Help

There is a small hard lump in the armpit?

I have noticed a small hard lump in my left armpit for about a month.
It is currently approximately 1*0.5 cm in size.
Since the appearance of the lump, I feel that it is continuing to grow.
I often experience numbness and weakness in my left arm, with the numbness lasting up to an hour at times.
When I touch the lump, it is painful.
During a recent discomfort, I underwent an electrocardiogram, which showed no cardiac issues.
I would like to ask if it is possible that the lump is due to enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit, which may be compressing a nerve and causing the numbness in my arm? Additionally, could you recommend which specialties would be most appropriate for further evaluation? Thank you!

Zhuang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/10/19

Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology

Zhuang / 23 years old / Male
I can only respond based on what you wrote about the size being 1*0.5mm.

1.
0.5mm is very small; can you really feel it?
2.
I do not believe your symptoms are caused by it, unless it is directly on a nerve.
3.
For the mass, please consult a general surgeon, and for the numbness, you can see a neurosurgeon.
Thank you for your letter.
Wishing you good health.
Taoyuan Hospital
Chen Si-Rong

Reply Date: 2020/10/19

More Info

The presence of a hard lump in the armpit, especially one that has been noticeable for a month and is accompanied by symptoms such as numbness and weakness in the arm, warrants careful evaluation. Based on your description, it is possible that the lump could be an enlarged lymph node, which can occur due to various reasons, including infections, inflammation, or malignancies. The fact that you are experiencing pain when touching the lump and that it seems to be increasing in size is particularly concerning.

Lymph nodes can become enlarged in response to infections, such as viral or bacterial infections, or due to other conditions, including autoimmune diseases or malignancies. The numbness and weakness in your arm could potentially be related to the lump if it is indeed pressing on nearby nerves or blood vessels. This is a possibility, especially if the lump is located in a position that could affect the brachial plexus, a network of nerves that innervates the arm.

Given your symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention from a healthcare provider. The following steps are recommended:
1. Primary Care Physician (PCP): Start with a visit to your primary care physician. They can perform a physical examination and assess the lump more thoroughly. They may also take a detailed medical history and ask about any other symptoms you may have experienced.

2. Imaging Studies: Your doctor may recommend imaging studies such as an ultrasound or CT scan to get a better look at the lump and the surrounding tissues. This can help determine the nature of the lump and whether it is affecting any nearby structures.

3. Referral to Specialists: Depending on the findings, your PCP may refer you to specialists. Possible referrals include:
- Oncologist: If there is a concern about malignancy.

- Hematologist: If there are concerns about blood-related issues or lymphatic disorders.

- Neurologist: If the numbness and weakness persist, a neurologist can evaluate for any nerve-related issues.

4. Biopsy: If the imaging studies suggest that the lump could be concerning, a biopsy may be necessary to determine its nature. This involves taking a small sample of the tissue for pathological examination.

5. Monitoring Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in the lump, such as size, pain level, or any new symptoms that may arise. This information can be valuable for your healthcare provider.

In summary, while the lump in your armpit could be a benign condition, the associated symptoms of numbness and weakness in your arm, along with the pain, indicate that further evaluation is necessary. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, especially if there is an underlying condition that needs to be addressed. Please consult with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss your symptoms and the appropriate next steps.

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