What Causes A Lump In The Armpit?

Posted on Wed, 22 Mar 2017

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

Wed, 22 Mar 2017 Answered on

Wed, 12 Apr 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I feel a small movable lump on the left side of my armpit. I also have had a lot of pain radiating through my shoulder, through my arm and down to my fingertips. The lump when I press sends pain radiating down. I'm 29/F with no history of breast cancer in my family, not overweight. I do lift a lot for work and have been working on my shoulder strength. I also can't always find the lump. I'm wondering if it is a swollen gland or more serious like breast cancer.

Answered by Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It could be enlarged lymph node.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
As per your description,it looks like an enlarged lymphnode.It is enlarged most commonly due to infection.I prescribe Antibiotic like Cefuroxime 500mg twice daily and Anti inflammatory tablet to my patients with similar complaints.
If there is no response even after 2 weeks ,i will go for FNAC(Fine needle aspiration cytology) of the swelling.Nature of the swelling can be known.
Another possibility is Lipoma of axilla which arises from fat tissue.
FNAC will differentiate these two.If FNAC is inconclusive,then BIOPSY has to be done where the entire swelling is removed and sent for histopathological examination.
Hope i answered your query.If you have any questions,i will clarify further.
Wish you good health.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy