Armpit lumps are usually caused by cysts, infection, or irritation due to shaving or antiperspirant use. They may also indicate a serious underlying health condition. So medical attention is needed if the armpit lump worsens.
However, most lumps are harmless and are usually the result of abnormal tissue growth.The armpit lumps can be related to a more serious underlying health problem.
According to Healthline.com, the most common causes of armpit lumps are:
- bacterial or viral infections
- lipomas (typically harmless, benign fat tissue growths)
- a fibroadenoma (noncancerous fibrous tissue growth)
- hidradenitis suppurativa
- allergic reactions
- adverse reactions to vaccinations
- fungal infections
- breast cancer
- lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system)
- leukemia (cancer of the blood cells)
- systemic lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease that targets your joints and organs)
- A thorough physical examination is the first step in diagnosing an armpit lump. Your doctor will ask you questions about any changes in the lump, as well any pain you have in the area.
According to Healthline.com, the course of treatment your doctor recommends depends on the underlying cause of the lump. Bacterial infections can be treated with oral antibiotics. After several days, the armpit lump should start to disappear as your body and the antibiotic fight the infection. If the lump doesn’t respond to oral antibiotics, you may have to be hospitalized for intravenous (IV) antibiotics.
If your lump is associated with allergies, it should subside once you start medication and learn to avoid your allergy triggers. In most cases, armpit lumps don’t require any treatment, just simple observation. If your doctor determines this is the case, you can use home remedies such as warm compresses and over-the-counter pain relievers to ease any discomfort. Lumps that don’t require treatment include those associated with:
- lipomas
- viral infections
- fibroadenoma (noncancerous breast lumps)
Hidradenitis suppurativa treatment options may include some of the following:
- antibiotic therapy
- bleach bath
- biologic therapy
- wound dressings
- anti-acne therapy
- surgical treatment
- lifestyle changes
If your armpit lumps are cancerous, your doctor may refer you to a specialist for further care. Treatment will depend on the type of cancer and what stage you’re in, and it may involve a combination of:
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- chemotherapy
- radiation therapy
- surgery