Suggest Treatment For A Sore And Painful Lump In My Armpit

Posted on Fri, 9 Apr 2021

Question: Hello. I noticed a lump in my armpit today. In the past, sometimes when I am under the weather I get swollen nodes in my armpits that are sore and painful to the touch. This lump is similarly sore, but it is much larger than my past swollen nodes...not quite golf-ball sized. I do have seasonal allergies that flare up in the spring, and I have been feeling a little run-down over the past week, but outside of that I am not experiencing any other abnormal symptoms/irregular discomforts. I am 51 years old and I haven't seen my PCP in about a year. Is this likely a swollen node? Should I schedule a regular check-up (get in at next available visit) or is this larger-than-usual-size swelling something that needs to checked out immediately. Please advise. I am calling my physician today to get an appointment set up either way, but this discovery prompted me to start this search, due to the size of the lump and never having experienced it before. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
different possible causes

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Lumps in the axilla can be due to enlarged lymph nodes as you stated. There are also other causes as well.

Some of the other causes include-
(1) folliculitis- this is an infection of a hair follicle. This can become a boil/abscess which initially presents as a painful lump

(2) infection of the glands of the axilla- sweat glands

Applying a warm compress to the area and using anti-inflammatory pain medication may be helpful.
The compress would be helpful whether the swelling is due to an inflamed lymph node or infection. The warm compress can be applied 2 to 4 times a day for 10 to 15 mins.

Anti-inflammatory meds such as Naproxen, Ibuprofen can be taken for symptomatic relief.

Antibiotics may also be needed after your physician's check-up.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee