Armpit lumps can be a source of concern. Many are benign and not cancerous, but any new or unusual lump warrants medical attention for proper evaluation and diagnosis. Consulting a healthcare professional ensures an accurate assessment and appropriate guidance.
Characteristics of Potentially Cancerous Armpit Lumps
A cancerous armpit lump often has specific physical attributes. It may feel firm or hard to the touch and be difficult to move freely under the skin, indicating it is fixed to surrounding tissues. A concerning sign is a lump that persists, grows larger over time, or does not resolve on its own.
The shape of a cancerous lump can also be irregular, lacking well-defined borders, unlike the smooth, round appearance of benign cysts or lipomas. While many cancerous lumps are painless, some individuals may experience tenderness or discomfort. The skin overlying the lump might also show changes, such as dimpling, puckering, redness, or an orange-peel texture, which can suggest underlying tissue involvement.
Accompanying Symptoms Beyond the Lump
Other symptoms may accompany a cancerous armpit lump, particularly if associated with breast cancer or lymphoma. Individuals might notice changes in the breast tissue, such as a new lump, nipple discharge, or alterations in the nipple’s appearance or direction. Swelling in the arm or hand on the same side as the armpit lump can also occur, indicating potential lymphatic obstruction.
Systemic symptoms can also be present, including unexplained weight loss. Persistent fatigue is another potential indicator. Some individuals may experience night sweats, which are drenching sweats that occur during sleep, or a persistent low-grade fever that does not have an identifiable cause.
Other Reasons for Armpit Lumps
Swollen lymph nodes are a frequent cause of benign armpit lumps. Lymph nodes in the armpit, part of the immune system, can enlarge in response to infections (such as mononucleosis or strep throat) or after vaccinations. They often feel soft, movable, and sometimes tender to the touch.
Cysts are another common type of armpit lump. These fluid-filled sacs typically feel soft, are easily movable under the skin, and may occasionally cause pain if they become inflamed or infected. Lipomas, which are benign fatty tumors, also frequently appear in the armpit area. These masses are generally soft, doughy to the touch, and can be easily moved with gentle pressure.
Infections within the skin or hair follicles can also lead to painful armpit lumps. Conditions like folliculitis or abscesses can cause red, warm, and tender lumps. Hidradenitis suppurativa, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, can also result in painful, recurring lumps and abscesses in the armpit due to inflammation of sweat glands.
When to Consult a Doctor and Diagnostic Steps
Any new, persistent, or growing lump in the armpit warrants prompt medical evaluation. Seek medical attention if a lump is accompanied by pain, skin changes, breast changes, or any of the systemic symptoms previously discussed, such as unexplained weight loss or persistent fatigue.
During an initial medical consultation, a healthcare provider will perform a thorough physical examination of the armpit and surrounding areas, including the breasts. They will also take a detailed medical history, asking about the lump’s onset, any associated symptoms, and relevant personal or family health history. This initial assessment helps guide the subsequent diagnostic process.
To further investigate an armpit lump, several diagnostic tools may be utilized. Imaging studies, such as mammography, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can provide detailed views of the lump’s characteristics and its relationship to surrounding tissues. The definitive diagnostic step for determining if a lump is cancerous is a biopsy, which involves removing a small tissue sample for microscopic examination. This can be done through a fine needle aspiration (FNA), a core needle biopsy, or an excisional biopsy where the entire lump is removed.