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What Causes Periodic Fluid Built Up In Armpit?
Question: I have periodic fluid build up / swelling in my left armpit only - its a little sore in general area and doesnt seem to be a lymph node. Any ideas?
Brief Answer:
Blockage to the lymphatics
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the query
Swelling in a localized area like armpit and mild tenderness can only be two things.
1. abscess
2. blockage of the lymphatics.
It is not an abscess because patients with abscess will have severe tenderness and fever. So it has to be blockage of the lymphatics. Here is how you should go about it
1. Get an ultrasound done of the swollen area.
2. Approach your surgeon with the report, if ultra sound is normal then you might have to go for a lymphangiogram.
3. Another approach would be to take antibiotics like Amox with clavulanate for 7 days and see for improvement.
I hope I was of help, if you have any further queries please get back to me
Regards
Blockage to the lymphatics
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the query
Swelling in a localized area like armpit and mild tenderness can only be two things.
1. abscess
2. blockage of the lymphatics.
It is not an abscess because patients with abscess will have severe tenderness and fever. So it has to be blockage of the lymphatics. Here is how you should go about it
1. Get an ultrasound done of the swollen area.
2. Approach your surgeon with the report, if ultra sound is normal then you might have to go for a lymphangiogram.
3. Another approach would be to take antibiotics like Amox with clavulanate for 7 days and see for improvement.
I hope I was of help, if you have any further queries please get back to me
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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