Painful Armpit Lumps: When to Seek Further Medical Help - Oncology

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When dealing with painful lumps in the armpit, it’s essential to understand the potential causes and when to seek further medical help. Based on your description, it seems that you initially experienced pain in your armpit, which progressed to the development of a hard lump that is painful and has not improved significantly despite treatment.
Your doctor diagnosed you with hidradenitis suppurativa, which is an inflammatory condition affecting the sweat glands, often leading to painful lumps or abscesses. The treatment typically involves antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications, as you have already experienced. However, the persistence of the lump and pain, along with the side effects you encountered from the medication, indicate that further evaluation may be necessary.

Here are some key points to consider regarding your situation:
1. Persistence of Symptoms: Since you have been experiencing these symptoms for three weeks without significant improvement, it is advisable to seek further medical attention. If the lump remains the same size and the pain persists, this could indicate that the initial treatment was not effective, or there may be another underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

2. Side Effects of Medication: The gastrointestinal symptoms you experienced, such as esophageal swelling, gastritis, and constipation, are concerning. It’s important to discuss these side effects with your healthcare provider, as they may need to adjust your treatment plan or prescribe alternative medications that are less irritating to your gastrointestinal tract.

3. Follow-Up Care: It would be prudent to return to the same surgical clinic where you were initially diagnosed. They are familiar with your case and can provide continuity of care. However, if you feel that your concerns are not being adequately addressed, or if you prefer a second opinion, visiting a hospital or a different specialist may also be a good option. In either case, you should continue to see a surgeon or a specialist in dermatology who has experience with skin and soft tissue conditions.

4. Further Investigations: Depending on the findings during your follow-up visit, your doctor may recommend further investigations, such as imaging studies (like an ultrasound) or a biopsy of the lump if there is suspicion of a more serious condition, such as an abscess or even a neoplastic process.
5. When to Seek Emergency Care: If you experience any new symptoms such as fever, increased redness or swelling around the lump, or if the pain becomes unbearable, you should seek emergency medical care immediately. These could be signs of an infection or other complications that require urgent treatment.

In summary, given the duration of your symptoms and the limited response to treatment, it is advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider. They can reassess your condition, consider alternative diagnoses, and adjust your treatment plan accordingly. Your health and comfort are paramount, so do not hesitate to advocate for yourself and seek the care you need.