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Suggest Treatment Painful Red Lump In Armpit

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Posted on Tue, 26 May 2015
Question: I have a small lump/bump the size of a nickel that is very painful and red. It is located on the crease of my armpit towards my back (part of it is under my armpit hair and part is not). It is painful to the touch and hurts a little when I move my arm up and down and the skin stretches. There has been some swelling towards the front of my armpit, but only when I use my arm too much or poke at the area. It has been like,this for about a week. Other things that may or may not be related: Was scratched by my outside cat on my hand of the opposite arm around the time the bump showed up (not sure which happened first) and also had a bit of drainage from my nose that was green/yellow. As of today all mucus is clear or whitish. Not sure what I should do. I can't get to the doctor until May 18 and don't think I need to go to the emergency room for this.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (24 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Need workup and assessment

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking

I read your question and I understand your concern. Bump in axilla is likely an inflamed lymph node secondary to recent infection you had regarding Nasal discharge likely due to flu or cold.

Cat scratching opposite side of the hand should not have caused this bump on other hand so that is unlikely for this bump however should be analysed for any other disease as cat scratches can cause many.

Other possibilities are of hydradenitis suppurativa a condition in which some pus is collected in axilla mostly after some hair removal or shaving the axilla.

In women hormonal cycle and specially last part of it also give such inflammatory sensation of lumps in axilla and self resolves most of the time with end of luteal phase of cycle. Your history of anxiety may also contribute to overly noticing an innocuous lymph node.

Pcos is usually correlated with weight gain and that may lead to such hormonal imbalance as well causing such edematous breast state giving a lumpy sensation.

Any how it would need a little assessment and detailed clinical correlation for complete understanding of the disease process.

I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and don't forget to close the discussion please.

Regards XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (24 minutes later)
I forgot to mention that I have had this happen before in the same spot about a month ago. It disappeared after about a week and but there was no swelling. I dont know if that changes anything.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (5 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
No worries. likely cyclical hormonal changes

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back to me

That history makes it innocuous and hormonal cyclical thing we talked about in our previous answer. You need nothing to worry about. Just keep the axilla hair free and maintain a good hygiene. Keep an eye though. If any new symptom appears inform your doctor.

I hope it helps.
Take care.
Khan
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 3613 Questions

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Suggest Treatment Painful Red Lump In Armpit

Brief Answer: Need workup and assessment Detailed Answer: Thank you for asking I read your question and I understand your concern. Bump in axilla is likely an inflamed lymph node secondary to recent infection you had regarding Nasal discharge likely due to flu or cold. Cat scratching opposite side of the hand should not have caused this bump on other hand so that is unlikely for this bump however should be analysed for any other disease as cat scratches can cause many. Other possibilities are of hydradenitis suppurativa a condition in which some pus is collected in axilla mostly after some hair removal or shaving the axilla. In women hormonal cycle and specially last part of it also give such inflammatory sensation of lumps in axilla and self resolves most of the time with end of luteal phase of cycle. Your history of anxiety may also contribute to overly noticing an innocuous lymph node. Pcos is usually correlated with weight gain and that may lead to such hormonal imbalance as well causing such edematous breast state giving a lumpy sensation. Any how it would need a little assessment and detailed clinical correlation for complete understanding of the disease process. I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and don't forget to close the discussion please. Regards XXXXXXX