We explain how and why axillary lumps can appear.
These glands secrete the so-called “apocrine sweat”, responsible for bad body odor related to sweat, since the bacteria on our skin feed on it, releasing aromatic substances.
When a lump occurs in the armpits, it is usually due to the blockage of these apocrine glands, although it can also be due to skin infections, systemic viral infections such as Herpes or AIDS, as well as benign tumors or even cancers .
In this article we review the causes of lumps in the armpit, as well as their symptoms and the necessary measures that we must take in each case.
- It might interest you: “Skin types: what is yours and how to take care of it?”
Causes of lumps in the armpits
Lumps in the armpits have various causes , of varying severity. The symptoms that accompany the development of the lump change depending on the reason for its appearance, but in any case the best idea is to go to the doctor, especially if we are not sure what exactly is the lump that has appeared in our armpit.
If the reason is a serious infection or a cancerous process, rapid action can greatly improve our chances of overcoming the process without suffering long-term sequelae.
Among the different most common causes of lumps in the armpits we can find:
1. Hidradenitis suppurativa (Foruncles or Golondrinos)
Boils, also known as swallows , usually occur in people suffering from Hidradenitis suppurativa, a disease with strong genetic components but also environmental factors that condition its appearance. They occur in areas with apocrine glands, especially those that have hair or are exposed to constant friction.
They are characterized by the obstruction of the apocrine glands , which give rise to a pus-filled structure -due to an infection, usually by Staphylococcus aureus- that can present itself in different ways. Before the appearance of swallows or boils, we can notice redness and hypersensitization of the skin, followed by the appearance of pimples.
After this, the swallows can appear as small violaceous nodules, which usually resolve spontaneously, but cause pain and discomfort. If the obstruction and damage to the glands is deep, painful and pus-filled abscesses can form , which may require medical attention to avoid their complication -such as the formation of fistulas-.
Swallows more commonly affect women, about three times more than men . Approximately 1% of the population suffers from Hidradenitis suppurativa, due to genetic but also environmental factors, such as smoking (70% of people with boils are smokers) or obesity.
2. Swollen lymph nodes
Lymph nodes are nodular structures found throughout our body, especially in the neck, armpits, breasts, and groin . They have key functions in the functioning of the immune system, as well as in the drainage of excess fluids that occur in the body.
When a lymph node becomes swollen it can produce lumps and pain, but it does not result in oozing structures as is the case with some boils. This inflammation is usually benign and associated with bacterial infections of nearby tissue, such as the skin or breast tissue.
In some rare cases, this inflammation occurs due to the accumulation of tumor cells in the lymph node. This occurs mainly when there is a cancer in the process of metastasis. When the node exceeds 4cm in diameter or is located on the clavicle instead of under the armpit, its study and biopsy are very important, since these factors are related to greater malignancy.
In some cases this inflammation is caused by systemic viral infections, such as those caused by the herpes virus or the AIDS virus.
3. Cysts
Cysts, especially sebaceous cysts, can be the cause of the armpit lump. Cysts are closed structures, as if it were a water balloon, which sometimes contain pus and dead cells -called abscesses-, but depending on their composition they can be filled with liquid, semi-solid or even filled with air.
The cause of the appearance of the cysts is not always clear, although in sebaceous or dermal cysts it is usually accompanied by an infection . In fact, in some cases these cysts affect internal organs, bones or even muscles. In some cases they disappear on their own, but on other occasions they are structures present from birth.
Most cysts are benign, but depending on their location and composition, they can cause other symptoms that can only be resolved with medical-surgical intervention.
4. Lipomas
Lipomas are an abnormal growth of adipose cells , those that store the body’s fat. They are a tumor, but are usually benign. They do not become infected, since they have no communication with the outside, and their malignancy rate is very low.
Lipomas can cause problems depending on their size and location, but these are resolved with removal of the tumor. They are solid, yet soft to the touch, with a consistency reminiscent of rubber.
It is more common in people over 40 years of age, especially those with obesity, excess blood cholesterol or diabetes.
What measures to take before a boil or swallow
Whenever we notice the appearance of a strange lump in the body, the most sensible thing is to go to a doctor who is capable of diagnosing the problem and offering us an adequate treatment. Even so, there are certain measures that we can take against the appearance of a lump in the armpit, especially if it is a boil or swallow, which is usually the most likely cause.
It is of the utmost importance not to manipulate the lump , especially not to drain or open it. This can cause deep damage to the skin structure, which can make the situation worse by enlarging the boils.
In addition, we must keep the area clean . Boils usually resolve on their own in a few days, as long as we keep the affected area clean. This process is usually accelerated by heat and humidity, so professionals recommend applying warm, wet cloths for about 20 minutes, about 3 times a day.
If the boil opens, we must cover the resulting wound while our body expels the pus. The bandage must be changed daily and the area must be cleaned twice a day with soap and water. Boils can be contagious, so it’s best to avoid sharing clothes or towels while you’re around.
If we notice that we have a swallow and it does not disappear or opens on its own in about 10 days, we should go to the doctor. If there is more than one boil nearby, grows to the size of a ping pong ball, causes excruciating pain, or gives us a fever, we should also go to a doctor to have it drained and treated as soon as possible.
Bibliographic references
- Hidradenitis Suppurativa Online. Extracted from https://hidrosadenitis.es/ on 09/25/2019
- VILA MAS, A., & PUIG SANZ, L. (2003). folliculitis and furunculosis. Clinic and treatment. Professional Pharmacy, 17(1), 78-81.
- Habif TP (2016). Bacterial infections. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.
