What Causes Periodic Fluid Built Up In Armpit?

Posted on Fri, 28 Nov 2014

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

Fri, 28 Nov 2014 Answered on

Tue, 23 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have periodic fluid build up / swelling in my left armpit only - its a little sore in general area and doesnt seem to be a lymph node. Any ideas?

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Blockage to the lymphatics

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

Swelling in a localized area like armpit and mild tenderness can only be two things.
1. abscess
2. blockage of the lymphatics.

It is not an abscess because patients with abscess will have severe tenderness and fever. So it has to be blockage of the lymphatics. Here is how you should go about it

1. Get an ultrasound done of the swollen area.
2. Approach your surgeon with the report, if ultra sound is normal then you might have to go for a lymphangiogram.
3. Another approach would be to take antibiotics like Amox with clavulanate for 7 days and see for improvement.

I hope I was of help, if you have any further queries please get back to me

Regards

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