Armpit Lumps: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help - Surgery

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Finding a lump in the armpit can be concerning, and it's important to understand the potential causes, symptoms, and when to seek medical help. Based on your description, you have a one-centimeter hard lump in your armpit that is painful when pressed, and it has increased in size over the past four years. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what this could mean.


Possible Causes of Armpit Lumps
1. Lymphadenopathy: One of the most common causes of lumps in the armpit is swollen lymph nodes. Lymph nodes can become enlarged due to infections (like a cold or flu), inflammatory conditions, or more serious conditions like lymphoma or breast cancer. The pain you feel when pressing on the lump may indicate that it is a lymph node reacting to an infection or inflammation.

2. Cysts: Sebaceous cysts are non-cancerous lumps that can occur in the skin. They are usually painless unless they become infected. If the lump feels smooth and movable, it could be a cyst.

3. Lipomas: These are benign tumors made of fat tissue. They are generally soft, movable, and painless. However, if a lipoma becomes larger, it may cause discomfort.

4. Infections: Conditions such as abscesses or infections in the skin can lead to painful lumps. If the lump is warm, red, or tender, it may indicate an infection that requires treatment.

5. Fibroadenomas: Although more common in breast tissue, these benign tumors can sometimes be felt in the armpit area, especially in women.

6. Malignant Conditions: While less common, it is important to consider the possibility of cancer, especially if the lump has changed in size, shape, or consistency over time.

Symptoms to Monitor
- Size and Shape: If the lump continues to grow or changes shape, this is a reason to seek medical advice.

- Pain: Persistent pain or tenderness in the area can indicate an underlying issue that needs evaluation.

- Associated Symptoms: Fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue can be signs of a more serious condition and warrant immediate medical attention.

- Skin Changes: Redness, warmth, or drainage from the lump can indicate infection.


When to Seek Help
You should consider seeing a healthcare provider if:
- The lump has changed in size or shape.

- You experience persistent pain or discomfort.

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

- You have a history of cancer or other serious health conditions.


Diagnostic Evaluation
When you visit a healthcare provider, they may perform a physical examination and ask about your medical history. Depending on the findings, they may recommend:
- Ultrasound: To assess the characteristics of the lump.

- Blood tests: To check for signs of infection or other systemic issues.

- Biopsy: If there is concern about malignancy, a sample of the tissue may be taken for further analysis.


Conclusion
While many lumps in the armpit are benign and not a cause for concern, it is essential to monitor any changes and seek medical advice when necessary. Given that you have noticed a change in size and have had this lump for several years, it would be prudent to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to better outcomes, especially if there are any underlying issues that need to be addressed.