The underarm or armpit is known as the axilla, in medical terms. A pea sized nodule or lump or swelling can appear in the axilla. It can happen in both women and men.
A lump in the underarm maybe an indicator to an underlying issue in most cases. It is advisable to consult a doctor if the lump grows and does not disappear in a few weeks time.
A few symptoms of lumps that may be noticed with an axillary lump like: Fever/ Redness or pain in the armpit / discharge from the lump/ Night sweats/ swelling.
The necessity of working up a lump to confirm its nature is emphasised. A physical examination, imaging and if indicated a biopsy of a lump maybe suggested.
Depending on the symptoms, treatment can vary as per the requirement, like a course of antibiotics for an infection to surgical removal for recurrent infection.
Lumps may disappear in a few weeks but in some cases it may need investigation. You should consult a doctor if:
Consult Dr. Amulya Mullapudi at breast cancer hospitals in Vijayawada.