Have you developed a lump in your armpit and don’t know what it is? It has happened to many of us, and it doesn’t have to be anything serious. It all depends on the characteristics of the lump and the associated symptoms. However, we should always seek the advice of a specialist.
In this article we will know some of the possible causes that explain why this lump appears, in addition to the symptoms that may accompany it and ideas on what to do (treatment alternatives).
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A lump in the armpit: is it serious, doctor?
A lump in the armpit is a small formation, which can be hard or soft, that is created under the skin.. This lump can be of different types and may have different characteristics: rounded shape, uniform, associated pain, etc. Depending on all this, the causes of the lump will be one or the other.
Thus, it may be that on some occasion a lump has appeared in the armpit. Before you get alarmed, remember that the appearance of one of them may be due to many factors. Let’s take a look at them below.
Possible causes
There are different causes that can explain the origin of a lump in the armpit. Let’s take a look at the most common causes.
1. Cyst formation
The most common cause is a cyst (also called furunculosis or boil).. But what exactly is it and how does it occur? It is an infection of the hair follicle or an inflammation of the sweat glands.
That is, it is caused by an infection of the sweat-producing gland, which is the one that leads to the outflow of hair from the armpits. When this gland becomes infected, the sweat outflow is obstructed, which creates a tissue where it is very easy for bacteria to appear and reproduce.
The infection, if maintained over time and not cured, ends up clogging the outflow of sweat. As a result, a lump forms in the armpit, i.e. the cyst. This cyst usually hurts when touched or when pressed.
These infections are more frequent in women and may also appear more frequently in people suffering from risk factors such as diabetes, obesity and immune disorders.
2. Inflammation of a lymph node
Another possible cause if a lump appears in the armpit, as we have already mentioned, is inflammation of a lymph node.. Lymph nodes are located in the lymphatic vessels, and are small structures that participate in the defense of our body.
Their purpose is to filter the lymph, as well as to collect and eliminate possible bacteria and viruses (microorganisms) that want to penetrate the organism. But why do lymph nodes become inflamed? Because when our organism protects itself against an infection, the lymphocytes that are found inside the lymph nodes multiply at a high speed, and in this way the lymph nodes become inflamed.
So, when the cause of our lump in the armpit is the inflammation of a lymph node, we must go to a doctor to determine the cause, because sometimes it underlies serious diseases.
3. Tumor
A lump in the armpit can also be a tumor.. A tumor is an alteration of the tissues, which grow abnormally, producing an increase in volume. Tumors may also appear in the armpits. These can be benign or malignant (cancer). However, it should be emphasized that this scenario is unlikely, so you should not worry, but you should go to your medical center to find out for sure.
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4. Accumulation of fat
The cause of the lump in the armpit can also be an accumulation of fat.. This accumulation forms under the skin and is sometimes called a lipoma. In this case they are solid lumps, and their structure is uniform. They are not infected, because they do not communicate through any pores with the outside.
In this case it is not something serious, beyond the discomfort it may cause. It can be removed by simple surgery or liposuction (aspiration).
Symptoms
The symptoms that appear when we have a lump in the armpit can vary. However, when the lump is caused by inflammation, the main symptom is pain from the lump (although this need not always occur).
Swelling of the area may also occur. Sometimes sudden pain and swelling of the nodes is associated with an infectious origin of the tumor, and the absence of pain and swelling, with a tumor. But we must be careful, because these criteria are not always met, and only a medical specialist will be able to offer a reliable diagnosis.
Other symptoms that can appear are: pain when pressing on the lump, ear pain, rhinitis, skin lesions, discomfort when swallowing, etc. When these symptoms are added to the initial ones, it is likely that the cause of our lump is infectious.
However, when the cause is something else, such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the swollen lymph nodes do not cause pain and are accompanied by the following symptoms: itching, severe weight loss, fatigue, night sweats and fever. Lymphoma is a type of cancer that originates in the lymphocytes (white blood cells); Hodgkin’s lymphoma is one type.
Treatment
The main treatment used for a lump in the armpit, if it has originated from an infection, are antibiotic medications (usually against staphylococcus).. Staphylococcus is a bacterium that occurs in clusters, in areas such as the skin or pharynx, in substances such as water, and also in the air.
Another option is to apply a topical antibiotic, always under medical prescription. In addition, before the use of antibiotics, disinfectant ointments and warm compresses can be used. Sometimes, depending on the case, it will be necessary to make an incision in the lump in the armpit so that the pus inside the lump can be released.
On the other hand, if, despite the use of antibiotic drugs, the lump in the armpit does not disappear, drainage or surgical intervention is the option of choice.. The objective will be to remove the lump completely. Drainage, on the other hand, is applied to the structure that always surrounds the lump and produces a liquid. This structure must also be removed.
In addition to treatment, prevention will also be very important; that is why, after having had a lump in the armpit, it is recommended to use germicidal or antiseptic gels for a while. It is also recommended to avoid oily and greasy deodorants and to maintain proper hygiene.