Suggest Treatment For Painful Lump On The Underarm

Posted on Fri, 21 Oct 2016

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

Fri, 21 Oct 2016 Answered on

Fri, 11 Nov 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a painful lump on my left underarm which is giving out foul white odour

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Most probably infected sebaceous cyst

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query, albeit short and specific.
To recapitulate: Female/38 - painful lump - left underarm - foul white
odor ....
Unless proved otherwise this is infected sebaceous cyst by the description of foul white odor. This is classical of sebum.

I would advise you the following:
Consult a General Surgeon for clinical evaluation and to get a date for excision as this is the only sure-shot treatment.
This will achieve 2 things:
- You get rid of the problem which is not the normal part of the body - to get a curative treatment and
- You get a confirmed diagnosis by histopathology examination.

You may need an antibiotic course to control the infection if present and an anti-inflammatory medication.
I hope, this answers your query, please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that thee is a gap of communication.

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