Painful Lumps Near the Armpit: When to Seek Medical Help

Q: Painful Lumps Near the Armpit: When to Seek Medical Help

Hello, Student Chen： A hard lump felt under the skin is usually a lipoma or a sebaceous cyst. <br>If it is located in the armpit or neck, one should also consider the possibility of lymphadenopathy. <br>These benign tumors are typically painless unless there is inflammation, infe

There is a hard lump next to the right chest under the armpit?

Hello, Dr.
Hsieh: One day after doing pull-ups, I noticed pain in my armpit and the area next to my chest the next day.
I also felt a hard lump (located 2 centimeters above the side of my chest), which was painful as well.
At that time, I thought it was a muscle strain, so I didn't pay much attention to it.
After a month, the pain in my arm has almost resolved, but the hard lump has not disappeared, although it has shrunk.
The lump is no longer painful.
I consulted an orthopedic doctor, who suggested it might be lymphatic tissue.
I would like to ask whether it is better for lymph nodes to be painful or not painful? What do you think about my situation? Should I see a surgeon or an oncologist?

Chen Tongxue, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/06/22

Dr. Xie Wenhuai reply Surgery

Hello, Student Chen: A hard lump felt under the skin is usually a lipoma or a sebaceous cyst.
If it is located in the armpit or neck, one should also consider the possibility of lymphadenopathy.
These benign tumors are typically painless unless there is inflammation, infection, or intentional pressure applied.
Based on your description, I recommend gently massaging the affected area and monitoring it.

Reply Date: 2010/06/22

More Info

When it comes to understanding painful lumps near the armpit, particularly in the context of your recent experience with a hard lump that developed after physical activity, there are several important considerations to keep in mind.
Firstly, the lump you described, which is located about 2 centimeters above the chest area near the armpit, could indeed be related to muscle strain or injury, especially if it appeared after a workout like pull-ups. Muscle injuries can lead to localized swelling and the formation of hard lumps due to inflammation or hematoma (a localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels). However, the persistence of the lump for a month, even if it has decreased in size and is no longer painful, warrants further investigation.

The mention of lymph nodes by your orthopedic doctor is significant. The axillary (armpit) region contains lymph nodes that can become swollen or tender due to various reasons, including infections, inflammation, or even more serious conditions like lymphoma. Typically, lymph nodes that are painful may indicate an active process, such as an infection, while non-painful lymph nodes can sometimes be a sign of a chronic issue. However, the absence of pain does not necessarily mean that there is no underlying concern, especially if the lump has not resolved completely.

In terms of seeking medical help, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional who specializes in the appropriate area. Given your symptoms, you might consider seeing a general surgeon or a specialist in breast surgery, as they are well-equipped to evaluate lumps in the breast and axillary regions. A referral to an oncologist may be warranted if there are concerns about malignancy, but this is typically based on the findings of initial examinations and imaging studies.

During your consultation, the doctor may perform a physical examination and may recommend imaging studies, such as an ultrasound or mammogram, to further evaluate the lump. In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to determine the nature of the lump, especially if there are any concerning features.

In summary, while the lump you are experiencing may be benign and related to muscle strain or lymphatic activity, it is essential to have it evaluated by a medical professional to rule out any serious conditions. Monitoring changes in the lump, such as size, pain level, or any new symptoms, is also crucial. If you notice any rapid changes or additional symptoms such as fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss, seek medical attention promptly. Your health and peace of mind are paramount, and addressing these concerns with a qualified healthcare provider is the best course of action.

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