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What Causes A Lump In The Armpit Region?

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Posted on Wed, 14 Jun 2017
Question: I've recently noticed what appears to be a fatty lump in the tissue under my arm.. when lying back and trying to locate the lump it does feel slightly more firmer but in different positions it feels different..over all squishy, slippy under the skin surface, in the past I have had a few breast scans which have all come back as normal breast tissue. Should I see my gp?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (53 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Most likely a lipoma or sebaceous cyst.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX

The characteristics of the lump you described and given your age, the lump is most likely a lipoma which is a benign (NOT cancerous) tumor made of fatty tissue. Sebaceous cysts (also not cancerous) are similar but more well circumscribed and less squishy.

Neither requires treatment, but given that it has not been diagnosed, probably a good idea just to have your doctor take a look as any lump should be checked.

Cancerous lumps are usually fixed and stationary because they are tethered down deeply. And in general they are firmer.

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (10 hours later)
thankyou for the infirmation provided.. I'm just rather worried over it, I will make an appointment with my GP now. As I have already said I can only reallt feel the lump when I lay on my side, standing up it appears quite soft, but when I lie on my side I can feel it then and it is firmer but not completely solid.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (10 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Most likely a lipoma

Detailed Answer:
Yes, I understand what you are describing. Make an appointment to relieve your mind, but most likely this is a fatty tumor (lipoma) if it is soft.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (47 minutes later)
thank you will schedule an appointment now, one last thing.. if lipoma is it normal for it to feel slightly more firm when lying down?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (13 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
That just depends on where it is located. If it is in a thicker, fleshier part, then a change in position can sometimes make things that are under the skin easier to feel.

In general, mostly squishy/soft is a good sign.
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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What Causes A Lump In The Armpit Region?

Brief Answer: Most likely a lipoma or sebaceous cyst. Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX The characteristics of the lump you described and given your age, the lump is most likely a lipoma which is a benign (NOT cancerous) tumor made of fatty tissue. Sebaceous cysts (also not cancerous) are similar but more well circumscribed and less squishy. Neither requires treatment, but given that it has not been diagnosed, probably a good idea just to have your doctor take a look as any lump should be checked. Cancerous lumps are usually fixed and stationary because they are tethered down deeply. And in general they are firmer. I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.