Armpit lump

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Female breast

Lymphatic system

Swollen lymph nodes under arm

Lump in the armpit; Localized lymphadenopathy - armpit; Axillary lymphadenopathy; Axillary lymphs enlarged; Lymph nodes enlarged-axillary; Axillary abscess

Check with your health care provider to determine the nature of the lump.

For a lump in the armpit caused by an infected, painful gland, follow the instructions about the proper treatment for the underlying infection.

A lump in the armpit caused by a generalized viral infection will eventually disappear without treatment. A lump in the armpit caused by an allergic reaction will go away after the "trigger" is removed. No treatment is necessary for a lump in the armpit caused by normal breast tissue. Usually, no treatment is necessary for a cyst.

A lump in the armpit caused by a lipoma is harmless, unless it grows so large that it causes discomfort.

For a lump in the armpit caused by a malignancy, follow the appropriate cancer treatment recommended by a doctor.

Call if you have any unexplained armpit lumps. Do not try to diagnose lumps without professional help.

Your doctor will perform a physical examination and ask medical history questions about the armpit lump, such as:

• When did you first notice the lump?
• Is it getting better, worse, or staying the same?
• Are you breast-feeding?
• Have you noticed any factors that make it worse?
• What other symptoms are also present?
• Is the lump painful?

The physical examination may include palpation -- gently pressing the nodes with the fingertips.

Testing depends on what is found during the physical examination. Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• Liver function tests
• Kidney function tests
• Lymph node biopsy
• Platelet count
• Routine blood work, such as a complete blood count (CBC)
• X-ray of the chest
• Liver-spleen scan
• Mammogram

Review Date: 11/02/2005
Reviewed By: Kenneth Wener, M.D., Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.