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A Lump in the Armpit
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 A Lump in the Armpit
When finding a lump in the armpit you may experience the following:
What are the symptoms of a lump in the armpit?
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.
What causes a lump in the armpit?
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.
What do lumps in the armpit feel like?
Armpit lumps can feel hard, soft, or even unusually warm. Cancerous armpit lumps are often painful, nonmobile, and firm to the touch.
When should you worry about lumps in the armpit?
At Birmingham Breast Group we would recommend you see us for medical advice if a lump in your armpit persists for more than two weeks, feels hard and painful, increases in size, or returns after removal. Additional signs to watch for include fever, symptoms of infection, or sudden tenderness and discomfort. These could indicate the need for further evaluation at our clinic.
Treating armpit lumps
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.
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