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Discovering a lump in the armpit can be a cause for concern, prompting individuals to seek evaluation by a healthcare provider. Understanding what you may notice, associated concerns, possible causes, and how the Birmingham Breast Group may address the concern is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being.
About This Concern
When finding a lump in the armpit you may experience the following:
Palpable Lump: The most noticeable symptom of a lump in the armpit is a palpable mass or swelling beneath the skin. This lump may vary in size, consistency, and tenderness, and it may or may not be accompanied by other symptoms.
Pain or Discomfort: Depending on the underlying cause, the lump in the armpit may be associated with pain, tenderness, or discomfort. This can range from mild to severe and may worsen with movement or pressure.
Skin Changes: In some cases, a lump in the armpit may be accompanied by changes in the overlying skin, such as redness, warmth, or inflammation. Skin changes may indicate an infection or inflammatory condition.
Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Lumps in the armpit are often caused by enlarged lymph nodes, which may be reactive to infection, inflammation, or other underlying conditions. However, lymphadenopathy can also be a sign of more serious conditions, including cancer.
Possible can include:
Lymphadenopathy: Enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit, known as lymphadenopathy, are a common cause of lumps in this area. Lymphadenopathy can result from infection, inflammation, autoimmune disorders, or malignancies affecting nearby tissues.
Infections: Bacterial or viral infections of the skin, lymph nodes, or underlying tissues can cause swelling and tenderness in the armpit. Common infections include folliculitis, cellulitis, abscesses, or viral illnesses such as mononucleosis.
Inflammatory Conditions: Inflammatory conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, or hidradenitis suppurativa can cause inflammation and swelling of the skin and tissues in the armpit. These conditions may be chronic and require ongoing management.
Benign Growths: Benign growths such as lipomas (fatty tumours), cysts, or fibroadenomas can develop in the armpit and present as palpable lumps. While typically non-cancerous, these growths may cause discomfort or concern and may require evaluation or treatment.
Breast Cancer: In some cases, breast cancer can spread to the lymph nodes in the armpit, causing enlarged lymph nodes and palpable lumps. Lymph node involvement in breast cancer may indicate advanced disease and require prompt evaluation and treatment.
Patients with a lump in the armpit receive comprehensive evaluation and care at Birmingham Breast Group. This may include:
Clinical Assessment: A detailed clinical examination is performed to assess the size, consistency, and tenderness of the lump in the armpit. Diagnostic imaging studies such as ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans may be recommended to evaluate the underlying structures and identify any abnormalities.
Biopsy and Pathology: If suspicious findings are identified, a tissue biopsy may be performed to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Pathology analysis can determine whether the lump is benign or indicative of cancer, guiding further treatment decisions.
Multidisciplinary Care: The expert team at Birmingham Breast Group collaborates closely to develop personalised treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. This may include medication, surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or other interventions as necessary.
Patient Education and Support: Patients are provided with education, guidance, and emotional support throughout their healthcare journey. They are empowered to make informed decisions about their care and are supported every step of the way.
Lumps in the armpit can be a cause for concern, but timely evaluation and appropriate care are essential for managing symptoms effectively. At Birmingham Breast Group, patients can expect compassionate care, thorough evaluation, and personalised treatment options to address lumps in the armpit and ensure the best possible outcomes. By recognizing the potential causes of lumps in the armpit, seeking timely medical attention, and partnering with expert healthcare providers, individuals can take proactive steps to protect and preserve their overall health and well-being.
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Written by a patient at BMI The Priory Hospital, 17th August 2020
Mr Henderson was kind and understanding and I felt completely at ease with him. He was well informed of my condition and explained his treatment plan to me fully. He has been very attentive in answering emails from me and I really cannot recommend him highly enough. I feel very fortunate to have been in his care.
Written by a patient at BMI The Priory Hospital, 17th August 2020
Mr Henderson was kind and understanding and I felt completely at ease with him. He was well informed of my condition and explained his treatment plan to me fully. He has been very attentive in answering emails from me and I really cannot recommend him highly enough. I feel very fortunate to have been in his care.
Written by a patient at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 1st December 2019
I have been a patient of Dr Basu since being diagnosed with Breast Cancer a few months ago. Despite the curse of my diagnosis I couldn’t have asked for a better Dr and standard of care. He and his team are super-efficient, have gone out of their way to get fast effective treatment for me and he has super-human levels of patience. During every consultation he has been ever patient, carefully listened to all my questions and concerns then taken the time to explain everything to me and provided constant reassurance. He has been accessible at all times even over weekends and the support has been broad. He looks after you as if you are family and despite having a 90 minute journey to see him at times as we wanted the fastest appointment we couldn’t ask for anything more. Our family see him as an angel not just a doctor for what he has done for us and would recommend him in less than a blink of a eye.
Written by a patient at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 30th September 2019
I first met Naren Basu in 2016 at the Queen Elizabeth Women’s Hospital. I had been diagnosed with breast cancer. He is an exceptionally skilled man at putting people at their ease and explaining everything with great patience and candour. He is a consummate professional and really knows his stuff, especially relating to breast cancer. He is very clever, witty, and a super surgeon. He carried out a reduction to both my breasts, removing the tumours at the same time. I was fortunate indeed to have my surgery via the NHS, it would have been very expensive as a private patient but worth every penny. I felt like a million dollars after my operation. I think he is a fabulous man and so skilled on so many levels and outstanding in human kindness.
Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 12th June 2019
Nine days before I was due to go on an extended holiday I discovered problems in both breasts. I was lucky enough to get an appointment 3 days before travel. Mr Basu even called me on the day of the appointment to ask me to come in earlier to ensure they had time to undergo all of the tests that evening. Anyone who has had these problems will know how overwhelming it is but Mr Basu took his time to speak to me and explained all of the procedures/tests that would be carried out that evening and possible outcomes. I did have a small procedure and again everything was explained fully and felt quite safe in his hands. The follow up appointments were just as thorough and Mr Basu made sure I understood all that we discussed. If I ever found myself in this position again Mr Basu would be my first port of call.
Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 11th May 2020
I was diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer November 8th 2019 , I was then appointed Dr Henderson almost immediately to discuss my treatment plan and way forward, I must say Dr Henderson was absolutely fantastic, he has a real calming nature and really put myself and my husband at ease , plotting my treatment course from day 1 gave us a massive line of sight to work to and in with combination of the nurses at little Aston facing the biggest fight of my life became easier & easier as the week progressed, I owe Dr Henderson my life and can’t thank him enough, he’s worth is weight in gold
Written by a patient at Good Hope Hospital, 27th November 2019
I am currently under the care of Dr Daniel Henderson at Good Hope Hospital, and I couldn’t ask for better. He listens, and speaks to you in laymans terms so you understand what is going on now and in the future. He talks to you and not at you, and has a very calm and soothing manner. If you are lucky enough to be referred to him, rest assured that you are in good hands, as he gets things actioned quickly.
Written by a patient at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 1st December 2019
I have been a patient of Dr Basu since being diagnosed with Breast Cancer a few months ago. Despite the curse of my diagnosis I couldn’t have asked for a better Dr and standard of care. He and his team are super-efficient, have gone out of their way to get fast effective treatment for me and he has super-human levels of patience. During every consultation he has been ever patient, carefully listened to all my questions and concerns then taken the time to explain everything to me and provided constant reassurance. He has been accessible at all times even over weekends and the support has been broad. He looks after you as if you are family and despite having a 90 minute journey to see him at times as we wanted the fastest appointment we couldn’t ask for anything more. Our family see him as an angel not just a doctor for what he has done for us and would recommend him in less than a blink of a eye.
Written by a patient at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 30th September 2019
I first met Naren Basu in 2016 at the Queen Elizabeth Women’s Hospital. I had been diagnosed with breast cancer. He is an exceptionally skilled man at putting people at their ease and explaining everything with great patience and candour. He is a consummate professional and really knows his stuff, especially relating to breast cancer. He is very clever, witty, and a super surgeon. He carried out a reduction to both my breasts, removing the tumours at the same time. I was fortunate indeed to have my surgery via the NHS, it would have been very expensive as a private patient but worth every penny. I felt like a million dollars after my operation. I think he is a fabulous man and so skilled on so many levels and outstanding in human kindness.
Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 12th June 2019
Nine days before I was due to go on an extended holiday I discovered problems in both breasts. I was lucky enough to get an appointment 3 days before travel. Mr Basu even called me on the day of the appointment to ask me to come in earlier to ensure they had time to undergo all of the tests that evening. Anyone who has had these problems will know how overwhelming it is but Mr Basu took his time to speak to me and explained all of the procedures/tests that would be carried out that evening and possible outcomes. I did have a small procedure and again everything was explained fully and felt quite safe in his hands. The follow up appointments were just as thorough and Mr Basu made sure I understood all that we discussed. If I ever found myself in this position again Mr Basu would be my first port of call.
Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 11th May 2020
I was diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer November 8th 2019 , I was then appointed Dr Henderson almost immediately to discuss my treatment plan and way forward, I must say Dr Henderson was absolutely fantastic, he has a real calming nature and really put myself and my husband at ease , plotting my treatment course from day 1 gave us a massive line of sight to work to and in with combination of the nurses at little Aston facing the biggest fight of my life became easier & easier as the week progressed, I owe Dr Henderson my life and can’t thank him enough, he’s worth is weight in gold
Written by a patient at Good Hope Hospital, 27th November 2019
I am currently under the care of Dr Daniel Henderson at Good Hope Hospital, and I couldn’t ask for better. He listens, and speaks to you in laymans terms so you understand what is going on now and in the future. He talks to you and not at you, and has a very calm and soothing manner. If you are lucky enough to be referred to him, rest assured that you are in good hands, as he gets things actioned quickly.
Written by a patient at BMI The Priory Hospital, 17th August 2020
Mr Henderson was kind and understanding and I felt completely at ease with him. He was well informed of my condition and explained his treatment plan to me fully. He has been very attentive in answering emails from me and I really cannot recommend him highly enough. I feel very fortunate to have been in his care.
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