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Armpit Lump: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and More

Written by Resurchify | Updated on: July 14, 2022

Armpit Lump: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and More

In our daily life, we encounter numerous changes in our bodies. Some may happen suddenly, while some develop gradually with time. Some eradicate with the passage of time while others get serious, grow and become painful. One of them is the armpit lump.

Many of you might have felt a lump like a thing on your armpit, which may be small or big. Most of you might have ignored it, but a few of you might be really worried as it may affect your way of living. In this article, we will have a look at the reasons and causes of armpit lumps. We will also understand the way they are diagnosed and treated. 

What Is An Armpit Lump?

The armpit is situated below the shoulder joint, where the arm joins the shoulder. The armpit constitutes nerves and blood vessels. They also include small glands known as lymph nodes. Lymph nodes form a vital part of the immune system, and they inflate when the body fights off infection. Lumps are formed under the armpit due to a bloated lymph node. Armpit lumps are also referred to as the axillary lump. A small lump can occur due to a skin rash or allergy or pseudofolliculitis (a hair that goes into the skin resulting in inflammation)

There are many lymph nodes present in the different areas of the body, and these nodes contain a bunch of immune cells, which are referred to as lymphocytes, that keep us physically fit.

There are around 20 to 30 lymph nodes present under the armpit.

Lumps are treatable at home, but some unexplained lumps under our arms should be medically examined, especially in the case of women. In other words, if the lump does not cure on its own, it is better to get it examined by a doctor.

Are Armpit Lumps Severe?

There are wide ranges of causalities due to which an armpit lump is formed, and the cause determines the extremity of the armpit lump. Out of these, most of them are harmless and can be easily treated, but some armpit lumps might brew serious underlying issues. These are more common in women due to unknown reasons.

Let us look at the seriousness of these armpit lumps.

  • Not At All Serious

Some lumps are minute or tiny, and recovery on their own within a stipulated period of time is not at all serious. Sometimes, armpit lumps can cause difficulty in performing tasks, abscess, and fever. Any such issues or pain caused due to these lumps should be checked by the doctor.

  • Somewhat Serious

Some lumps might be bloated, cloaked, and sore and should undergo medical treatment as soon as possible. They may be more painful than usual and must not be ignored.

  • Serious

Armpits can get serious and extremely painful and enlarged and augmented. If the patient may accompany fever with it, then it should be under observation by a medical examiner. If the armpit lump is sore, reddened, and is causing inflammations and is temporal and is caused for some days and dissipates after some time, then the lump is caused due to the sensitivity of the lymph node. A blister or a blocked hair cavity can lead to the swelling of a lymph node.

A normal or less severe lymph node has the shape of a butter bean and is less firm. But a tumorous lump is overly swollen and reddened and is quite firm. It could possibly be cancerous and should be instantly examined.

Characteristics of a Lump

In order to analyze the root cause of the armpit lump, it is necessary to keenly observe the type and character of the lump. This will give a direction toward the kind of treatment to be provided.

  • Size: The size might be very small in size or large, about the size of a ball. It is visible and can be felt with hands. If you find the size is increasing with time, rush for an examination.
  • Texture: The texture of some armpit lumps may be soft, rubbery, or firm. Lumps that are soft are caused mainly due to cysts, whereas harder and firm lumps are cancerous and are rigid to touch. You can examine by yourself before you go to the doctor by simply lifting your hand and touching it.
  • Mobility: The lump may be movable or immovable. It may bulge out, and firm lumps which are resultant in cancer are mostly immovable. Mark if the lump is causing any pain while moving. If it is, consult the doctor and get yourself examined to avoid any further issues.
  • Sensation: Armpit lumps are generally painless when occurred due to cysts. The upper skin of the lump is tender. Sometimes the lumps might be caused due to a cancerous tumor, which may be quite painful, and the movement of the affected area will be harmful. In any case, if the armpit lump is causing any kind of pain, a doctor’s consultation is a must without delay. 

Causes Of Armpit Lumps

There are many causes of armpit lumps; some of them may be triggered due to other health issues. Some causes of lumps are listed below :

  • Swollen lymph nodes: The Lymph nodes are found in various parts of the body, which include the groin, armpit, neck, chest, and abdomen (tummy). They comprise the immune cells that fight infections by attacking and destroying the external elements like microbes that are taken in through the lymph fluid. The armpit has a huge conglomeration of lymph nodes that sieves infectious microbes and squalor tumor cells. This causes the lymph nodes to swell, which results in the formation of lumps under the armpit.
  • Infections: Infection is another cause of armpit lumps. Usually, bacteria infect the cystic gland of the armpit. When these bacterial infections lump up, it is called an abscess or boil, causing a lump in the armpit. It can also be caused due to viral infections that are infrequent such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which leads to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), herpes simplex virus (HSV) causing sores, as well as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which elevates the intensity of the infections.
  • Cancer: Cancer is a condition caused due to unwanted growth of cells in a specific part of the body or many. The oncogenic cells or cancerous cells start destroying the tissues surrounding them. It starts from one part of the body and then multiplies with time. The oncogenic cells travel through the bloodstream and reach throughout the body; this condition is called metastasis. An armpit lump can grow and can be cancer, consisting of breast cancer and leukemia as well. 
  • Fibroadenoma: Fibroadenoma is a non-cancerous sinewy tissue breast tumor caused by reproductive hormones that young women common face. These women may also be forced to contend with sore armpit lumps. It is a soft, rubbery lump that has a defined shape. They move when touched and are mostly harmless. Yet, the doctor is expected to perform a biopsy to check the characteristics of the lump.
  • Allergic reactions: Allergies are common in many people around us. It is an immune response when some foreign unwanted element or substance enters our body. Armpit lumps might be caused due to allergic reactions, which might arise due to skin rashes occurring due to frequent shaving of the underarms or the use of some hypersensitive lotions or soaps. IF you notice any such allergic reactions, consult the doctor right away and only then take medicines.
  • Lupus: In this case, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body itself, due to which the body’s tissues are affected. Lupus causes swollen lumps all across the body. See if you have such lumps in other parts of the body, visit the doctor, and get the necessary treatment. 
  • Lipoma: These are bulk of bloated fatty tissues located just below the skin, which are often harmless and non-cancerous. They grow slowly and are usually innocuous, and some have more than one on their body. They are found just under the skin and move easily when touched. Lipoma can be commonly found in the back, shoulders, armpit, abdomen, arms, neck, and thighs and an affected then, causing inflammations. It is quite tricky to diagnose the symptoms of lipoma as they are similar to other illnesses. 
  • Unicellular parasitic organisms: When lymph nodes swell or become red, it can be caused due to some parasitic organisms like Toxoplasma gondii.
  • Bloating of sweat glands under the armpit: Sweat glands are coiled tubular structures present under the skin to help to regulate the body temperature. Due to insect bites and other blockage symptoms of the hair cuticles, the sweat glands get bloated, which results in the formation of an armpit lump.
  • Chronic Granulomatous diseases: Chronic granulomatous disease is a rare genetic disorder that causes the white blood cells called phagocytes not to be able to kill some bacteria and fungi types. People with CGD are highly sensitive to regular and sometimes fatal bacterial and fungal diseases. This causes inflammation of the body tissues, such as sarcoidosis, and may sometime cause a lump in the armpit.
  • Post-vaccination diseases: For some people, vaccinations may cause swelling in the lymph node and cause a lump in the armpit. There is nothing to worry about in such cases; it is the way the immune system responds to the vaccination and causes an armpit lump. 

Armpit Lumps In Women 

Men and women, irrespective of age, can have an armpit lump. In the case of women, armpit lumps often lead to breast cancer. Women should undergo monthly medical checkups in case of lumps occurring under the armpit or if they have any breast lumps. Hormonal changes occur in breasts during the cycle of menstruation, and they might feel more soft and tender. Self-exams of the breast should be undertaken after three days of menstruation.

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a serious condition that consists of the bloating of the hair cuticles of the skin’s apocrine glands, which commonly leads to pus and therefore leads to possible infections. This condition occurs due to health issues and tobacco consumption history, and the immune system continuously guarding the hair follicles, which results in irritation and rashes among the women.

Diagnosis Of Armpit Lump

A doctor is only able to determine the severity of the armpit lump. A doctor will undergo a simple examination in order to comprehend the severity of the lump. To dismiss other causes such as cancer, allergic infections, and skin reactions, a doctor may undertake some further supplementary tests such as biopsy, complete blood cells count, and breast and chest x-ray.

Sometimes A Doctor Might

  • Take a small section of the lump to examine its gravity, which is called a biopsy. The doctor tries to check for any abnormalities in the armpit lump, like cancer. 
  • Examining and investigating the exact amount of red blood cells and white blood cells
  • Checking the fluid to examine the cause of infections. It will make it easier for the doctor to know the cause of the lump.
  • Take a CT scanning to have a clean image of the lump and analyze if there are any chances for it to be cancerous.
  • Some medical tests should be recommended by the doctor :
  • Blood tests
  • Urine discharge test
  • Imaging scanning

Treatment Of Armpit Lumps

Vitamin E Supplements

Vitamin E is a combination of 8 soluble fats that include four tocopherols and four tocotrienols. They have antioxidant properties that are vital for vision, skin reproduction, and maintaining good brain health. Vitamin E stimulates anti-inflammatory properties, which helps in many ways. The intake of vitamin E supplements can help reduce the risk of armpit lumps. It heals quickly and suppresses the symptoms as well. 

Turmeric

Turmeric has been an internal part of Ayurveda and the kitchen for time immemorial. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, potassium, iron and magnesium. This bright yellow-colored spice acts as a natural antiseptic and an antioxidant that gives gradual relief to the lumps. Curcumin is a primal component of turmeric that fights bacteria and infections. Make a thick paste by adding some water and applying it to the affected area. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is not just any vinegar; it is prepared from fermented apple juice. What is interesting is that it is famous on your dining table and is loaded with many health-benefiting properties. They are used to add flavor to salads and are a great option for marinades. Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial agents. It suppresses the growth of bacteria and can help greatly in the prevention of armpit lumps.

Mix an equal amount of water and apple cider vinegar solution, dip a cotton ball, and apply that solution under the armpit. Rinse after 5 minutes and pat it dry with a towel.

Charcoal Compress

In recent times, activated charcoal is got its hype for the properties it holds. They are made by heating charcoal in the existence of gas from coals, coconut shells, or wood. They are porous in nature, which socks all the impurities and traps chemicals. They are usually used for issues related to the mouth and treat poisoning but can also be effective for armpit lumps. Activated charcoal detoxifies the body by removing bacteria and other germs and therefore prevents the growth of lumps. 

If the armpit lumps are cancerous, in this case of cancerous lumps, some possible measures that should be undertaken are :

  • Incision
  • Chemotherapy
  • Rays

Gentle Massage 

Massaging has an amazing effect on the body. It is helpful for reducing pain, tension, and muscle soreness. It improves blood circulation and improves immune functioning. If oil massage is applied near the affected area, then the seriousness of the lump might reduce as massage activates the blood vessels and generates proper blood flow.

The addition of herbs to the oil mixture is also effective as herbs like neem have medicinal and healing properties. Apply some oil, massage in a circular motion, and continue for 5 to 6 minutes. This massage will drive the lymph fluids from your neck and chest to your underarm lymph vessels and nodes and reduce the lump. It may take some time but is effective. If it does not work, then get a doctor’s consultation and take the necessary steps and medication.

Lemon Juice

Lemons are tangy and rich in vitamin C, soluble fibers, and many other plant compounds. Apart from all this, they help in weight loss reduce heart-related issues, kidney stones and, cancer and anemia. 

The anti-inflammatory characteristics lemons juice has it can aid the armpit lumps. When applied to the lump, it may help to reduce the blisters under the arms. Be conscious if you have sensitive skin, as it has acidic properties that can irritate the skin. You can dilute it with a few drops of water and then apply it to reduce the acidity. 

Watermelon

Watermelon is a water-based fruit and is rich in citrulline, lycopene, and vitamins A and C. Studies have suggested that watermelons are good for the heart and reduce muscles soreness. It has anti-inflammatory characteristics due to lycopene, which reduces the inflammatory pathways and removes toxic components from the body, thus relieving pain and swelling. It keeps the body hydrated and helps aid such conditions as well.

Aloe Vera 

Aloe vera is a wondrous plant! They are usually used to treat sunburns, skin allergies, and infections. It constitutes two hormones-auxin and gibberellins, which help the lumps to heal.

Aloe vera application is very easy; collect the gel from the aloe vera leaf by cutting it from the plant directly. Clean the broken end properly to get rid of any harmful toxins. Slice it from the middle and cut off the thorns. Massage the gel on the lump in a circular manner, and repeat this pattern twice a day. It is also helpful to you if you have dark, patchy areas caused due to sunburn or other pigmentation issues.

Garlic

Garlic has amazing medicinal properties and a brilliant and strong flavor. They are antibacterial and anti-fungal as well. Studies have proven that it helps to fight the free radicals, which may cause cancer and other health issues. They also help to strengthen the bones and act as a blood purifier as they fight against toxins. Garlic constitutes salicylic acid, which regulates blood circulation and reduces the effect and seriousness of the lump. Garlic also constitutes another component of allicin that also reduces inflammation. Take a garlic clove close and rub on the affected area; for best results, do it at night and allow the garlic’s chemicals to work on the armpit lump.

Conclusion

The cause determines the texture and the overall exterior of the armpit lump.

  • When a lump occurs due to a viral infection, it usually clears on its own.
  • Armpit lumps occurring due to allergy vanishes after the allergen is wiped out.

Example

  • Medical help is required in case of lipomas to treat it.
  • Lumps caused by cancer are firm and therefore require chemotherapy to remove them.

Factors that affect the exterior of the lump are:

  • The phase of cancer when the surgery is performed.
  • Whether cancer has spread or escalated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are natural antiperspirants or artificial antiperspirants better?

The national cancer institute 2016 stated that ingredients in both natural and artificial antiperspirants are the same.

Can a person detoxify their armpits?

No, the sweat glands, kidneys, lymph nodes, and spleen usually filter toxins. The components of the armpit detoxifying process, like apple cider vinegar, might irritate the skin.

I have a lump-like thing on my armpit, and it is purplish in color. Is it cancer?

There can be many reasons for an armpit lump to be purple or blue in color, and there are chances of a lump being cancerous. Hence the movement you notice any such unusual purple color lump on your armpit, rush to the hospital. The doctor may perform a biopsy and then identify whether the lump is cancerous or not. 

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