Discovering an armpit lump can cause concern, though many are not serious. This article offers general information on armpit lumps and their symptoms. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice; only a healthcare professional can accurately diagnose the cause.
Characteristics of Cancerous Armpit Lumps
Cancerous armpit lumps often feel firm, hard, or rubbery. Unlike many benign lumps, a cancerous lump might have irregular or undefined edges.
They can also feel fixed or deeply embedded, not easily moving under the skin. While some cancerous lumps might cause discomfort or tenderness, many can be painless. The size of a cancerous lump can vary, but it may show persistence or a tendency to grow over time.
Skin changes over the lump may also indicate a problem. These might include dimpling, redness, warmth, or alterations in the skin’s texture. However, these characteristics are not exclusive to cancerous lumps and can sometimes be seen in benign conditions.
Common Non-Cancerous Armpit Lumps
Many armpit lumps are benign, resulting from common conditions. Swollen lymph nodes are a frequent cause, often indicating infection. These lymph nodes are typically soft, tender, and movable, appearing temporarily as the immune system responds.
Cysts are another common non-cancerous lump, fluid-filled sacs. They usually feel smooth, soft, and movable under the skin. These can sometimes become sore or red if they become infected.
Lipomas are benign fatty tumors, often soft, movable, and generally painless. They typically grow slowly and are located just beneath the skin.
Folliculitis and boils result from inflamed or infected hair follicles. These often present as painful, red, and warm bumps filled with pus. Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic skin condition that can cause painful lumps and abscesses, often in areas where skin rubs together, like the armpits. These lumps may rupture, drain pus, and can lead to scarring.
Other Symptoms to Note
Certain other symptoms, when present alongside an armpit lump, may warrant medical attention. Unexplained weight loss, especially if significant and without changes in diet or activity, can be a symptom. Persistent fatigue that does not improve with rest is also relevant.
Night sweats, especially if very heavy, and unexplained fevers without an obvious infection may also be observed. Changes in breast tissue, such as new lumps, dimpling, or nipple discharge, are particularly relevant, as breast cancer can sometimes spread to armpit lymph nodes. Skin changes elsewhere on the body, like new moles or unhealing sores, can also be notable. While these symptoms are not exclusive to cancer, their presence with an armpit lump suggests the need for medical evaluation.
When to Seek Medical Advice
It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional about any new or unexplained armpit lump. Prompt medical attention is suggested if the lump is growing or changing in appearance. A lump that feels hard, fixed, or is painless should also be evaluated.
Seeking medical advice is also important if the armpit lump is accompanied by any of the other symptoms mentioned, such as unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, night sweats, or fever. Any lump causing concern or anxiety should also be discussed with a doctor. Self-diagnosis based solely on physical characteristics is not appropriate.
Understanding the Diagnostic Process
When you visit a doctor for an armpit lump, the process typically begins with a thorough physical examination. The doctor will carefully feel the lump to assess its size, texture, and mobility, and may check other areas of the body. They will also ask about your medical history, including when you first noticed the lump, any changes, pain, or other symptoms you might be experiencing.
Based on this initial assessment, the doctor may recommend further tests. Imaging tests such as an ultrasound are often a first step, providing a visual of the lump’s internal structure. A mammogram might be performed if breast tissue is a concern, or an MRI for more detailed imaging. Often, a biopsy, which involves taking a small tissue sample from the lump, is the definitive way to determine if it is cancerous. This sample is then examined under a microscope.