Suggest Treatment For Armpit Lump

Posted on Sat, 12 Sep 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 12 Sep 2015 Answered on

Mon, 5 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, I had a lump right above my left armpit. Had an ultrasound done. Turned out to be nothing to worry about. About 2 weeks ago, I tripped and slammed into a door frame on the left side of my arm. A little pain at first, but appeared fine in a day. A couple of days ago, I developed a huge black and blue on my left bicep as well as pain on top of forearm and hand. However, no bruising there at all. Pain is only when I press down on the area. Assumed bruise was from 2 weeks earlier. Bruise has gone away rather quickly and is practically gone, but during bathtime, I see what I can only describe as a "rubber band" under the skin-looking protrusion on my left arm pit which goes up under my left arm and forms a line under the skin and disappears. When I raise my arm completely I feel pulling. There's now some discomfort when I stretch my arm outward and straight up over my head. What does this sound like to you? Many thanks.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Soft tissue injury likely.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The mild protrusion in the left armpit is likely to be due to a soft tissue injury. It can be due to a torn fascia or torn muscle fibres. This is likely to heal on its own with rest. You can avoid all the overhead movements. In case there is a sudden sharp pain then a tear in the rotator cuff needs to be ruled out after an MRI scan.
usually such soft tissue injuries heal in 4-5 weeks if proper rest is given to the area. You can take a mild pain killer if it is painful and do a hot compress in the area for an earlier relief.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (19 hours later)

Thank you for your kind and quick response Dr. Tayal. Much appreciated. I have made an appointment with an Orthopedic Surgeon just in case it's much more than just a soft tissue injury. Funny, I am in no pain except for minimal discomfort when I extend the arm, so I avoid it. Thanks again, you've been helpful. :)

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thank you.
I am happy I could help. Investigations like MRI scan will help in proper diagnosis.
Please do recommend our services to others too in case you found them helpful. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Wishing you the best in whatever you do.
Best regards.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T