The armpit is an area of the body that is full of lymph nodes and functions to clean bacteria and other harmful substances from the body. In the armpit, a lump may appear which can occur due to enlargement of one of the lymph nodes under the arm. Lymph nodes are small, oval-shaped structures located throughout the body's lymphatic system and play an important role in the immune system. Although most lumps in the armpit are harmless, there are several conditions that need to be watched out for and require further medical attention.
Causes of Lumps in the Armpit:
- Swollen Lymph Nodes:
The lymph nodes in the armpit can swell in response to an infection, such as a cold, throat infection, or sores around the armpit area. - Lipomas:
Lipomas are benign growths of fat cells. Although lipomas are generally not dangerous, they can cause lumps under the skin in the armpit area - Epidermoid Cyst:
Epidermoid cysts are non-cancerous lumps under the skin, usually yellow-brown in color and filled with thick, smelly fluid. - Abscess:
Abscesses can form when bacteria get into hair follicles or sweat glands and cause infection. This can result in a painful lump in the armpit. - Breast cancer:
Although less common, a lump in the armpit can be an early sign of breast cancer which can spread to the lymph nodes in the armpit.
Symptoms of a lump in the armpit:
Lumps in the armpit can cause several symptoms, depending on the cause. The following are some symptoms that may be felt when there is a lump in the armpit:
- Painful lump
Lumps that thicken and cause pain in the armpits and breasts can be one of the main symptoms. - Change in size or shape
Lumps that change in size or shape can be indicated as a sign of a health problem. As a result of this, sometimes the arms can also swell. - Redness and fever
Infection is usually accompanied by symptoms such as redness and a burning sensation in the underarm skin area. - Swelling
Underarms that are swollen or have unnatural swelling can also be a sign of a problem.
Actions to Take:
- Watch for Changes
Pay attention to whether there are any changes to the lump, such as size, color, or additional symptoms. This can provide important clues to diagnosis. - Clean the Area Well
Make sure to keep the underarm area clean to prevent further infection or inflammation. - Warm Compress:
Warm compresses can help reduce swelling and relieve discomfort from lumps. - Consult a Doctor:
If the lump does not improve or shows worrying symptoms, consult a doctor immediately. To find out the cause, this can be done through a physical examination and diagnostic tests. - Administering medicines according to indications
Treatment for lumps in the armpit can be varied, one of which can be through medication. Administering medications as indicated is very important to ensure the effectiveness of treatment and prevent unwanted side effects. - Surgery
If the lump causes discomfort and disturbs your appearance, then another alternative is to have surgery carried out by an expert doctor.
Article written by dr. Rudy Haryanto Susilo, Sp.B (General Surgery Specialist at EMC Cibitung & Pekayon Hospital).