Armpit pain, also known as axillary pain, refers to discomfort or tenderness experienced in the underarm region. This area contains a complex network of muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and lymph nodes, all of which can contribute to sensations of pain. Understanding the various potential causes, which range from generally harmless conditions to more serious underlying health issues, can help individuals determine when medical evaluation is appropriate.
Common Causes of Armpit Pain
Many instances of armpit pain stem from everyday activities or minor, temporary conditions. Muscle strain is a frequent cause, often from physical exertion like lifting heavy objects or repetitive arm movements. Strains to the pectoral or latissimus dorsi muscles, which extend into the armpit, can cause localized discomfort.
Skin irritation is another common source. Shaving, deodorants, tight clothing, or constant friction can lead to redness, rash, or tenderness. These irritations typically resolve once the offending agent is removed or the skin heals.
Lymph nodes in the armpit can swell and become tender, often indicating a benign immune response. These glands filter lymph fluid and enlarge when the body fights common infections like a cold, flu, or minor skin infections. This swelling is usually a temporary sign of immune activity.
Localized skin issues like cysts or boils can also cause armpit pain. A cyst is a sac-like pocket of tissue, while a boil is a painful, pus-filled lump from a bacterial infection of a hair follicle. Both can cause tenderness and discomfort.
Serious Conditions Causing Armpit Pain
While many causes are benign, certain conditions warrant prompt medical attention. Breast cancer can present with armpit pain, especially if it has spread to the axillary lymph nodes. This pain may be accompanied by a new lump in the breast or armpit, changes in breast skin texture (like dimpling or redness), or nipple discharge, and it can occur in both men and women.
Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system, can cause persistently swollen lymph nodes in the armpit. These nodes may or may not be painful, but their persistent enlargement without an apparent infection should prompt an evaluation. Lymphoma can affect various areas, including the armpits.
Nerve compression or damage can lead to radiating pain in the armpit. Conditions like thoracic outlet syndrome, where blood vessels or nerves are compressed, can cause pain, numbness, or tingling in the arm and hand, extending to the armpit. Nerve impingement from disc issues in the neck or upper back can also refer pain to this region.
Pain originating from the heart can sometimes radiate to the armpit, arm, or jaw, known as referred pain. This pain, often associated with angina or a heart attack, may feel like pressure or squeezing. It can be accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, cold sweats, or nausea. This presentation requires immediate emergency medical evaluation.
Shingles, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, can cause intense armpit pain. The dormant virus reactivates and travels along nerve pathways, leading to a painful rash of blisters on one side of the body. Before the rash appears, individuals may experience burning, tingling, or deep aching pain in the affected area, including the armpit.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Prompt medical evaluation is advisable if armpit pain is persistent or worsens over time, rather than resolving within a few days. A new lump or mass within the armpit or breast tissue always warrants immediate medical consultation, regardless of pain. Any unexplained changes to the skin in the armpit, such as persistent redness, dimpling, warmth, or swelling, should also be assessed.
If armpit pain is accompanied by systemic symptoms like fever, chills, or a general feeling of being unwell, it could indicate an infection. Pain that radiates to the chest, arm, or jaw, especially with shortness of breath, dizziness, or sweating, suggests a potential cardiac concern and necessitates emergency care. Sudden, severe, or unexplained pain in the armpit should also be evaluated promptly.
Pain that interferes with daily activities, such as lifting the arm, or disrupts sleep, indicates a level of severity that warrants professional attention. Any unusual discharge from the nipple or other changes in the breast alongside armpit pain should be reported to a doctor without delay. These indicators serve as important signals that professional medical guidance is needed.
Medical Evaluation and Diagnosis
When seeking medical attention for armpit pain, a healthcare professional will take a detailed medical history. This involves questions about the pain’s onset, duration, intensity, characteristics, and any associated symptoms. Information regarding recent injuries, infections, or changes in personal care products will also be relevant.
A thorough physical examination of the armpit and surrounding areas, including the breast tissue, will follow. The doctor will palpate the armpit for lumps, swelling, or tenderness, and inspect the skin for rashes, discoloration, or other visible changes. This assessment helps narrow down potential causes and guide further diagnostic steps.
Based on initial findings, several diagnostic tests may be ordered. Blood tests can help identify signs of infection or inflammation. Imaging studies, such as an ultrasound of the armpit, a mammogram or breast MRI, or an X-ray, are used to visualize underlying tissues. If a suspicious lump is identified, a biopsy may be performed to determine its nature. The treatment approach for armpit pain depends entirely on accurately identifying its underlying cause.