Alternate Names: Lump in the armpit; Localized lymphadenopathy - armpit; Axillary lymphadenopathy; Axillary lymphs enlarged; Lymph nodes enlarged-axillary
Considerations: Lumps in the armpit (axilla) may arise from various causes. Cysts and superficial infections in the skin of the armpit may follow shaving or use of antiperspirants (as compared to deodorants). This occurs most frequently in adolescents just beginning to shave. Subcutaneous abscesses may also produce large painful lumps in the axilla.
Lumps may be produced by enlargement of the lymph nodes secondary to bacterial infections, viral infections, antigenic stimulation (as from vaccinations), and malignancy. A breast self-examination should always include the armpit because breast cancer can enlarge the armpit lymph nodes even when the breast itself seems perfectly normal.
Lymph nodes are filters that can catch malignant tumor cells or infectious organisms. When they do, lymph nodes increase in size and are easily felt.
Common Causes:
- bacterial
- cat scratch disease
- ascending lymphangitis
- lymphadenitis, lymphangitis
- localized infection, possibly somewhere in the arm draining into the glands of the armpit, lumps caused by infection are often painful (see breast infection)
- viral
- malignant
- fungal
- antigenic
- smallpox vaccination
- typhoid vaccine
- measles, mumps, rubella vaccine (rare)
- allergic reaction possibly caused by sulfa drugs, iodine, or penicillin
- other
- lipomas (harmless fatty growths)
- benign cyst
- normal breast tissue (breast tissue extends into the armpit area)
Home Care: Check with your health care provider to determine the nature of the lump.
For a lump in the armpit caused by an infected, painful gland, follow the instructions about the proper treatment for the underlying infection.
A lump in the armpit caused by a generalized viral infection will eventually disappear without therapy. A lump in the armpit caused by an allergic reaction will go away after the provoking substance is removed. No treatment is necessary for a lump in the armpit caused by normal breast tissue, and usually no treatment is necessary for a cyst.
A lump in the armpit caused by a lipoma (fatty growth) is harmless, unless it grows so large that it causes discomfort.
For a lump in the armpit caused by a malignancy, follow the appropriate cancer treatment recommended by a doctor.
Call If:
- there is any unexplained armpit lump(s). Do not try to diagnose lumps without professional help.
What To Expect: The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.
Medical history questions documenting an armpit lump in detail may include:
- time pattern
- When did you first notice the lump?
- Is it getting better, worse, or staying the same?
- aggravating factors
- Are you breast feeding?
- Have you noticed any factors that make it worse?
- other
- What other symptoms are also present?
- Is the lump painful?
The physical examination may include palpation (gently pressing the nodes) of the lymph system.
Testing depends on what is found during the physical examination. Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to an armpit lump to your personal medical record.
