Painful Lumps: When to Seek Medical Attention

Painful lump

Hello doctor, I used to have a painful small lump under my right armpit, but since it had been there for a long time, I didn't pay much attention to it.
Recently, about a month ago, I noticed a painful lump below my earlobe.
Around July 1st or 2nd, I discovered that the left side of my labia was hard and slightly painful to the touch at first, but now it only hurts when I apply slight pressure.
I also found a painful hard lump in my groin area.
Upon examination, I noticed that the lumps under my armpit and near my ear have disappeared, and I suspect they may have been metastatic lumps.
Could you please advise if I need to go to the hospital for further examination, and which department I should visit? Thank you.

Liú shā, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/07/03

Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology

Hello, please focus on examining the current areas.
If only the labia and groin remain, then please refer to obstetrics and gynecology.
Thank you for your message.
Dr.
Chen Si-Rong, Taoyuan Hospital.

Reply Date: 2015/07/03

More Info

When it comes to painful lumps in the body, especially in areas like the armpit, ear, groin, and labia, it is essential to approach the situation with caution and seek medical attention when necessary. Based on your description, you have experienced multiple painful lumps in various locations, some of which have resolved while others have appeared. This could indicate a range of underlying issues, and it is crucial to understand when to seek further evaluation.

Firstly, the presence of painful lumps can be attributed to several benign conditions, such as swollen lymph nodes, cysts, or infections. Lymph nodes can become enlarged and tender due to infections in nearby areas, such as the throat or skin. In your case, the lumps in your armpit and near your ear may have been reactive lymph nodes that resolved as the underlying infection subsided. However, the appearance of new lumps, especially if they are painful and persistent, warrants further investigation.

The lump in your labia and the one in your groin area are particularly concerning. While they could also be benign, such as a Bartholin's cyst or a swollen lymph node, it is essential to rule out more serious conditions. The fact that these lumps are painful and have changed in character (from mildly painful to requiring pressure to elicit pain) suggests that they may need to be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

In general, you should seek medical attention if:
1. The lumps persist for more than two weeks without improvement.

2. They increase in size or number.

3. You experience additional symptoms such as fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue.

4. The lumps are hard, fixed, or have an irregular shape.

5. You have any concerns about the nature of the lumps or if they are causing significant discomfort.

Given your symptoms, I recommend visiting a healthcare provider who specializes in internal medicine or a general practitioner first. They can perform a thorough physical examination and may order imaging studies, such as an ultrasound, to assess the lumps further. If necessary, they may refer you to a specialist, such as an endocrinologist or a surgeon, for further evaluation and management.

In summary, while many lumps can be benign and self-limiting, the combination of painful lumps in multiple areas, especially with recent changes, should not be ignored. It is always better to err on the side of caution and seek medical advice to ensure that any potential underlying issues are addressed promptly.

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