Lump Under Armpit

If you have noticed a lump under your armpit then it is imperative that you are fully aware the various causes behind the occurrence of such a condition, as cancer may also lurk as an offender. However, in most cases, the causes are of mild nature. But as there is a possibility of cancer, it is wise that you do not run the risk of ignoring the condition, and wait hoping it to subside on its own. The causes and the treatment of this condition has been presented in the following.

What May Cause Armpit Lump?

One of the common causes of the development of lumps under armpit is shaving or use of antiperspirants, as they can cause sebaceous cysts and infection thus, the lump. This is common in adolescents who have just started shaving.

Bacterial infections such as streptococcal or staphylococcal, or a bacterial infection of the lymph node, (known as lymphadenitis) may cause a lump in the armpit. In women, infection of the breast tissue, could be a common cause for the same. Viral infection such as HIV/AIDS, mononucleosis, shingles, and chickenpox are some other causes. A chronic fungal infection of the skin may also cause this condition. It is known as sporotrichosis.

Conditions like Hodgkin's lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and leukemia are some major kinds of cancer. They may also manifest themselves in the form of a large or small lump in the underarm area. Cancerous cells from elsewhere in the body may get metastasized and travel to the lymph nodes, and form a lump in the armpit.

Even certain vaccinations may have lumps under armpit as one of their side effects. These may include vaccinations for smallpox and typhoid. Allergic reaction caused by certain drugs and vaccinations for illnesses like measles, mumps, rubella vaccine (rare) can also trigger the onset of the condition.

Leaving the above mentioned causes, there are also some which are benign. For instance, harmless cyst, lipomas and breast tissues extending up to the armpit area.

Armpit lump could also be an outcome of an autoimmune disorder in the body, where the immune system starts attacking the healthy cells. Conditions such as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus have also known to have caused this condition.

Treatment

The underlying cause of the condition, determines the kind of treatment. Minor causes get resolved within a period of 2 - 3 days. There are several types of test which may be undertaken for diagnosis. These tests include X-ray of the chest, tests of the liver function or kidney function, biopsies, etc. If the cause happens to be a bacterial infection, then treatment may consist of using antibiotics. A viral infection induce armpit lump will resolve on its own. And for one that has developed because of an allergic reason, will be cured with the elimination of the allergen. However, for cases which have become carcinogenic, the prognosis depends upon the type and stage of the cancer.

To conclude, lump under armpit may be caused by harmful or severe conditions. But you may not be able to determine the nature of the cause. So, it is best and safe when you leave it to be diagnosed by a doctor. If it is a harmless condition all you have to do is to wait for it to get resolved on its own. And if the lump has resulted from a severe medical condition, then the doctor will start the required treatment as soon as possible.