Lumps in the Armpit: Causes and When to Seek Help - Oncology

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Lumps in the armpit can be concerning, and it's important to understand their potential causes and when to seek medical help. Based on your description, it sounds like you have a movable lump in your armpit that has been present for several years, with some associated pain, particularly around your menstrual cycle. This type of lump can have various causes, and I will outline some of the most common ones.

1. Lymph Nodes: One of the most common causes of lumps in the armpit is swollen lymph nodes. Lymph nodes can become enlarged due to infections, inflammation, or even malignancies. Given that you mentioned the lump is painful, especially before your menstrual period, it could be related to hormonal changes that affect lymph node size and sensitivity.

2. Cysts: Another possibility is that the lump is a sebaceous cyst or an epidermoid cyst. These are generally benign and can feel movable under the skin. They may become inflamed or infected, leading to pain.

3. Fibroadenomas: In some cases, especially in younger women, lumps in the breast or armpit area can be fibroadenomas, which are benign tumors made up of glandular and connective tissue. These can also be sensitive to hormonal changes.

4. Lipomas: These are benign tumors made of fat tissue. They are usually soft, movable, and painless, but they can sometimes become uncomfortable if they press on surrounding tissues.

5. Breast Tissue: You mentioned that one breast appears slightly larger than the other. This could be a normal anatomical variation, but it can also be related to hormonal changes or conditions like fibrocystic breast changes, which can cause lumps in the breast and surrounding areas.

Given that you have had this lump for several years and it has not resolved, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation. You should consider seeing a healthcare provider specializing in breast health or a general practitioner who can perform a physical examination and may refer you to a specialist if necessary.
During the evaluation, the doctor will likely ask about your medical history, perform a physical examination, and may recommend imaging studies such as an ultrasound or mammogram to better characterize the lump. If there is any concern about the nature of the lump, a biopsy may be performed to rule out malignancy.

In summary, while many lumps in the armpit are benign, it is important to have any persistent or changing lumps evaluated by a healthcare professional. They can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate management based on the findings. If you experience any new symptoms, such as rapid growth of the lump, changes in the skin over the lump, or systemic symptoms like fever or weight loss, you should seek medical attention promptly.