Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Painful Lumps Under The Arms After Cubital Tunnel Surgery?
Question: I had cubital tunnel surgery on my left elbow on Sept 8. I noticed this morning painful lumps under my left arm that seem to be growing. Is this a result of the surgery? I noticed the discomfort under the arm first then felt a lump. Now it's bigger and may be more than one lump. Should I contact my doctor? Is this something I need to go to an ER to have seen or can it wait until Monday?
Brief Answer:
Kindly, post the image of the lumps.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.
I understand very well the site of surgery, however, the site of lump formation is not clear.
Lump under the arm is difficult to imagine because arm is a big area.
Kindly, post the image of the site of lumps. Also if you can describe the lumps in detail, I will be better able to help.
Waiting for your reply.
Thanks
Dr Shailja P Wahal
Kindly, post the image of the lumps.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.
I understand very well the site of surgery, however, the site of lump formation is not clear.
Lump under the arm is difficult to imagine because arm is a big area.
Kindly, post the image of the site of lumps. Also if you can describe the lumps in detail, I will be better able to help.
Waiting for your reply.
Thanks
Dr Shailja P Wahal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Sorry, I have no idea how to post an image of the lumps. They are under my left arm pit. I do not shave under my arms anymore because hait hasn't grown there in years, so I don't think it is an ingrown hair. Lumps are about the size of a Nyquil gel pill and move around; painful to touch and I thought I good see a "white core" but not positive as it's a difficult area to look at, even in a mirror.
Can it just be a result of the cubital tunnel surgery 2 weeks ago? Is it something that requires a visit to an ER or Urgent Care facility or can I wait until Monday? If sok do I call my primary care doctor or my surgeon?
Can it just be a result of the cubital tunnel surgery 2 weeks ago? Is it something that requires a visit to an ER or Urgent Care facility or can I wait until Monday? If sok do I call my primary care doctor or my surgeon?
Brief Answer:
Probability of acute lymph node enlargement
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,
A painful lump in the arm pit is most probably due to lymph node enlargement. Lymph nodes enlarge due to infections. Painful lymph node suggests an acute infection.
Since, there is recent history of surgery on the elbow on the same side, this could be related to surgery.
Since it is an acute infection, you will need to see a doctor rightaway. It maybe a walk-in clinic that is open on weekends. If there is none then you can go to orgent care center or maybe ER. You will also need to consult your treating surgeon subsequently for clinical assessment and further management.
Since, the lump is painful, no procedure will be done.
Medication (antibiotics) will resolve the problem.
However, final diagnosis can be made after clinical assessment.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
Probability of acute lymph node enlargement
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,
A painful lump in the arm pit is most probably due to lymph node enlargement. Lymph nodes enlarge due to infections. Painful lymph node suggests an acute infection.
Since, there is recent history of surgery on the elbow on the same side, this could be related to surgery.
Since it is an acute infection, you will need to see a doctor rightaway. It maybe a walk-in clinic that is open on weekends. If there is none then you can go to orgent care center or maybe ER. You will also need to consult your treating surgeon subsequently for clinical assessment and further management.
Since, the lump is painful, no procedure will be done.
Medication (antibiotics) will resolve the problem.
However, final diagnosis can be made after clinical assessment.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
