An armpit lump can have various causes, including infection, shaving, antiperspirants, vaccinations, abscesses, and cancer. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, ranging from observation to chemotherapy or surgery. Consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
An armpit lump can have a variety of causes and should be examined by a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. Some of the more common causes of developing an underarm lump include infection, shaving, and the use of antiperspirants. Vaccinations, abscesses, and some forms of cancer can also lead to a lump in the armpit. Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the lump and can range from simple observation to more invasive treatment methods, such as chemotherapy or surgery. Any specific questions or concerns about the presence of a lump in an individual situation should be discussed with a doctor or other medical professional.
Shaving can cause a lump to develop under the armpits. This is usually due to the presence of an ingrown hair, although the irritation caused by shaving can also lead to the development of a lump. While shaving can cause a lump to form under the arm at any age, this is more common among teenage girls as they learn to shave this area of the body properly. Antiperspirants have been linked to the possible development of lumps in the armpit, so those prone to this occurrence may need to switch to a deodorant that doesn’t contain an added antiperspirant.
Some vaccinations can cause temporary swelling of the lymph nodes under the arm, resulting in an armpit lump. Vaccines that are more likely to have this side effect include the typhoid vaccine and the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine. The lumps caused by vaccinations should disappear on their own within a few days. If the lump remains for more than a week, it may be wise to have it examined by a doctor.
Infections are among the leading causes of developing an underarm lump. Mastitis is a common type of infection that occurs mainly among breastfeeding women. Infections caused by cat scratch disease, mononucleosis, or chicken pox can also cause a lump to develop under the arm. These infections can lead to sores known as abscesses, which may need to be opened and drained by a doctor. Some types of cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, and breast cancer, tend to cause one or more lumps in the armpit.
Treatment for an armpit lump depends on the underlying cause. Most infections can be treated successfully with a course of prescribed antibiotics. Lumps that occur from shaving or using antiperspirants can be treated with warm compresses and the discontinuation of any products that contribute to the development of the lump. Chemotherapy or surgery may be needed for nodules caused by cancer.
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