Swollen Armpit Glands

Swollen glands generally refer to the enlargement of the lymph glands or nodes. Lymph glands or nodes are small bean shaped tissues, enclosed by a number of connective tissue. Lymph glands are located in the lymphatic system and commonly found in the sides of the neck, armpits (axilla), and the groins. The lymph nodes or glands filter the lymphatic fluid and store white blood cells that can capture the cancer cells or harmful bacteria traveling through the body in the lymph fluid. Hence, they are essential for the body's immune system and serve as principal sites for many immune reactions to take place.

Swollen Armpit Glands and its Causes

Swollen armpit glands is nothing but swelling or enlargement of the lymph nodes in the armpit, and are also known as axillary lymph nodes. These nodes are not palpable but under certain circumstances they get enlarged or swollen and start hurting. Although most of the cases of swollen armpit glands are not very severe and with time the swelling and discomfort subsides, there are a few cases that result due to some mild to major injuries, infections and even cancer. Hence, such conditions should not be ignored and you should seek immediate medical attention. But for proper medical care and attention, it is essential to know the various causes that may lead to this problem.

Bacteria: One of the most common cause is bacterial infestation. A bacterial infection can inflame the axillary lymph nodes and havoc their functionality, resulting in swollen armpit glands. Staphylococci, streptococci, E coli and salmonella, are some of the bad bacteria that can affect the lymph nodes and cause swelling in them.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a kind of cancer that prevails in the immune system cells or the white blood cells. As we know that lymphatic system is part of our immune system which helps combating various health ailments, in non-Hodgkin lymphoma, tumors develop from lymphocytes, a type of white blood cells. Formation of a bump in the groin or armpit, swollen armpit nodes, abdominal pain, etc. are some of the common symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Hyperthyroidism: Painful glands can also be a symptom of hyperthyroidism. It is a condition that occurs due to over production of the thyroid hormones in the thyroid gland. The condition may prevail due to inflammation of the thyroid gland, excessive iodine intake or some disorders like Graves' disease, adenoma, etc. Apart from swollen or painful armpit glands, the patient may also suffer fever, irregular heart beats, weakness, fatigue, sweating, etc.

Connective Tissue Disease: Another cause for swollen armpit lymph nodes is connective tissue disease or degeneration of connective tissue in the body. These tissues form the framework or model for the body, covering and protecting the bones from any damage. Connective tissues are made up of two structural proteins, collagen and elastin and their inflammation can lead to connective tissue disease or degeneration.

Other Causes: Though rarely, some other causes include reactions to certain drugs, allergies, glycogen storage diseases, Kawasaki disease, sarcoidosis and certain types of arthritis. Likewise, there can be a possibility of swollen armpit glands during pregnancy as a pregnant woman's body undergo various hormonal changes throughout those crucial nine months.

The treatment mainly depends upon its underlying cause. For example, if the cause is bacterial or viral infection, it can be treated with antibiotics. While in some cases, no treatment is required and after a week or so the lymph glands go back to normal. However, in the case of cancer or lymphoma, a biopsy may be conducted to confirm the diagnosis, followed by a surgery or chemotherapy to remove the cancerous growth.

To sum up, we can say that swollen armpit glands can occur for various reasons, of which some may be mild and easily curable while others can be life-threatening. However, the best way to know the actual condition is by consulting your doctor as soon as possible for early diagnosis and treatment.