Whether lumps under the armpit are harmless or malignant can only be clarified after thorough medical examinations. In case of any kind of lump formation in the armpit, both sexes should immediately consult a doctor.
What is a lump under the armpit?
In the majority of cases, one or more swollen and palpable lumps in the armpit indicate an infection; in the best case, the lump formation in the armpit will disappear on its own. Nodes under the armpit are by no means always a cause for concern, because the swelling of one or more lymph nodes in the armpit can be quite harmless. One or both armpits may be affected by lump formation. The swelling that can be felt in the armpit is therefore swollen lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are found all over the body, not only in the armpit. Basically, lymph nodes are collection points of the immune system to fight infections. In the majority of cases, one or more swollen and palpable nodes in the armpit indicate an infection; in the best case, the nodes in the armpit will disappear on their own after the body’s immune system has been able to successfully fight the pathogenic bacteria, viruses or fungi. However, lump in the armpit could also indicate a tumor condition, for example.
Causes
In addition to infectious causes, nodules in the armpit are classified as Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. Nodes in the axilla of both types of lymphoma are sensitive to pressure and pain, and are also mobile and soft. Nodes under the armpit may also be a symptom of cancer by other organs or organ systems. For example, tumor cells from the skin, lungs, or breast may invade the lymph nodes in the armpit, multiply there, and then cause swelling. Different types of leukemia can also lead to lumps in the armpit, on one or both sides. Harmless, transient causes of lumps in the armpit include infections, connective tissue diseases, or intolerance reactions from medicines or foods. Nevertheless, even these rather harmless causes of lumps in the armpit should be treated medically and according to the cause.
Diseases with this symptom
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL)
- Leukemia
- Metastases
Diagnosis and progression
Diagnosis and course of lumps under the armpit depend on the nature of the underlying disease. In the medical examination, palpation of the axilla plays an important role, in addition to the history interview. If, after a brief assessment and palpation, lumps are found in the armpit, the physician will initially observe the swellings for a few days. If, after 7 days at the latest, the lumps under the armpit have not receded, or have even enlarged or changed, further diagnostic steps should be taken immediately. In addition to a new palpation examination, a so-called extended diagnosis with blood, X-ray or ultrasound examinations is also carried out. A biopsy may also be necessary for diagnosis or follow-up. From the synopsis of all findings, the size, type of tissue and degree of extension of a lump in the armpit can be determined. Nodules under the armpit usually belong to the acute clinical pictures, chronic courses are the exception.
Complications
Nodes under the armpit lead to various complications depending on the trigger, but these do not occur in every case. Often, lumps under the armpit arise for comparatively harmless reasons, for example as a result of inflammation of the sweat glands. Mild infections are also sometimes responsible for the lumps under the armpit, although complications rarely arise even without therapy. However, the patients suffer from pain and are partially restricted in their mobility as a result. Therapy of the inflammation is sometimes accompanied by systemic side effects due to the drugs administered. Far more rarely, the triggers of the lumps under the armpit are malignant in nature and indicate breast cancer, for example. Failure to provide therapy then leads to serious to life-threatening complications, as the carcinomas grow unhindered and often spread throughout the body.In the process, the metastases often affect other internal organs, so that their functioning gradually deteriorates. Therapy of the lumps under the armpit due to breast cancer also leads to complications under certain circumstances. Surgical procedures make patients more susceptible to infections, and difficulties sometimes arise in healing the surgical wounds. Radiation therapy to treat the lumps under the armpit puts a strain on the organism; in addition, recurrences are basically possible. Despite therapy, some patients die.
When should one go to the doctor?
Anyone who discovers a lump under the armpit immediately thinks of a malignant disease. However, there are many causes that stimulate the growth of lymph nodes. Simple inflammation is the most common reason for a palpable lymph node under the armpit. Usually, palpation of the node results in mild pain. A benign node is also easily displaced. If the node is not displaceable and painless, it may also indicate an infection. Lymph node swelling is also possible after vaccination. Activation of the immune system can cause a lump to develop under the armpit. If affected persons feel a lump under the armpit for longer than two weeks, a visit to the doctor is recommended. This will allow other diseases to be ruled out. Usually, the lump will decrease in size over time. If the lymph node swells, a visit to the doctor is no longer necessary. The first place to go for an evaluation of the lump is the family doctor. An internist may also be consulted for a long-term enlarged node under the armpit.
Treatment and therapy
Treatment of lumps in the armpit should be causal, i.e. related to the cause, based on the exact findings. In the vast majority of cases, a definite cause for lumps under the armpit can be found. With a targeted, causal therapy of the underlying disease, the swelling in the armpit as its symptom should soon recede. If the lumps in the armpit are due to an infection, oral antibiotics may be administered, for example. In quite a few cases, additional treatment is also carried out directly in the armpit; ointments are usually used for this purpose, but also certain radiation treatments. In advanced cases, however, surgery may also be indicated. Surgery under general anesthesia for the treatment of nodes may be medically necessary, for example, in the case of tumor diseases. Under local anesthesia, swellings in the armpit can also be surgically addressed using a scalpel. This allows inflammatory secretions to drain away and the patient feels immediate relief of pressure. In the rare case of spontaneous nodule formation without an identifiable cause, treatment can only be symptomatic. However, this treatment option applies only to cases where no definite cause could be found despite extensive diagnostic workup.
Outlook and prognosis
A lump under the armpit does not have to represent a malignant symptom in every case. It may be harmless in many cases. This is especially the case if the lump develops due to inflammation at the sweat glands. In most cases, these inflammations subside relatively quickly without further symptoms. Often the patient’s movement is restricted by the lump under the armpit and he feels pain. These can be relieved for a short time by painkillers. If the lumps do not disappear on their own, in severe cases they can be caused by a tumor. This can be removed. However, the success of the operation strongly depends on the time of diagnosis of the tumor. A common inflammation, on the other hand, is treated with the help of antibiotics. If the lump under the armpit is formed spontaneously and disappears on its own, only symptomatic and no causal treatment can be given. In this case, the further course of the disease depends largely on the cause of the lump formation.
Prevention
Lumps under the armpit are the symptom of different disease patterns and thus as such cannot be predicted. Thus, direct prevention of nodules is not possible. Some people already react to banal colds with lumps in the armpit. If this physical reaction is known, those affected can have this symptom treated at an early stage. Prevention can then at most consist of regular sensitive observation of the body.So, a doctor should always be consulted in case of lumps in the armpit, and regardless of whether the lumps hurt or not.
This is what you can do yourself
Lumps under the armpit are usually harmless and do not require medical treatment. Depending on the cause, lumps can be resolved by yourself with the help of various home remedies and measures. If the lump is a pus-containing cyst, it can be lanced independently with medical tools. Alternatively, manual lymphatic drainage can be used, in which the affected area is massaged and thus loosened. Lumps as a result of lymph gland disease can also be treated with acupuncture massage according to Penzel. The hot stone method with hot stones can also help to loosen knots under the armpits. If the complaints are based on a disorder of the immune system, aromatherapy helps. The scents of eucalyptus, angelica and thyme, among others, have proven to be effective. Furthermore, herbal oils from arnica, frankincense or devil’s claw, which are applied to the affected area, are recommended. Hardening in the muscle or fatty tissue is loosened by massage or exercise. A healthy lifestyle and sufficient body hygiene reliably prevent the development of lumps under the armpit. If a malignant cyst is suspected, however, a medical professional should be consulted immediately.
