What Could This Dark, Soft Lump Under My Armpit Be?
Greetings! I'm a 21-year-old male and I've noticed a small, dark, somewhat rounded bump nestled beneath my armpit. It's not particularly solid; when I apply pressure, it gives way like clay but has a firmer texture. When I attempted to remove it, it didn't come out completely easily. Its size is approximately 0.1 to 0.2 cm in diameter. I'm relieved that the surrounding area isn't tender, swollen, or inflamed. Is there anyone who can offer insight into what this might be? Should I take this seriously and consult a medical professional?
Answers (1)
6/25/2025, 7:20:44 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're noticing a small, dark lump under your armpit that's soft and not causing any pain or other symptoms. This can be concerning, but it's good that you're observing the situation closely.
Common Causes of a Lump Under the Armpit
- Lymph Nodes: These can sometimes swell due to infections, but they can also remain small and not cause discomfort.
- Cysts: These are fluid-filled sacs that can form in various places in the body, including under the skin. They often feel soft and can vary in size.
- Lipomas: These are non-cancerous (benign) growths of fat tissue that are generally soft and movable.
Since the lump is small, soft, and not causing any irritation, it may not be serious. However, it’s important to monitor it for changes.
Next Steps
- Observation: Keep an eye on the lump over the next few weeks. Take note of any changes in size, shape, or if it becomes painful.
- Self-Examination: Regularly check for any new lumps in the area or changes in your skin, and feel for any other lumps in your neck, groin, or elsewhere.
- Hydration and Skin Care: Ensure you're keeping the area clean and moisturized to avoid any irritation or potential infections.
When to Seek Help
- If the lump grows significantly, becomes tender, painful, or you develop any unusual symptoms such as fever.
- If you notice any other lumps or swollen areas in your body.
This keeps the situation manageable and allows you to observe before making any decisions. If you find that it causes you concern or changes, don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider for a professional opinion.
Related Questions
Whistling Sound While Breathing Through My Nose
I’m a 20-year-old male, standing at 175 cm and weighing 78 kg. For the last five years, I’ve noticed an unusual issue: when I exhale through my nose—whether gently or more forcefully—it consistently produces a whistling noise, reminiscent of the sound made by a referee's whistle during a football match. Interestingly, this sound is only emitted from my left nostril. There is no pain associated with this phenomenon; the main annoyance is that I occasionally forget about it and end up letting out a loud whistle when I breathe out. I remain puzzled about the cause of this condition.
Understanding My Recent Blood Test Results
I recently received some blood test results that have left me feeling confused and concerned. After experiencing respiratory problems, I went to the hospital where they conducted various tests. Eventually, I was diagnosed with a viral infection and sent home with a few Tylenol for relief. Now, I’ve got my results, and I’m trying to make sense of them. They show a venous oxygen partial pressure (po2) of 21 mm Hg and an oxygen saturation at 24%. To put it in perspective, these figures seem quite concerning. For context, I stand at 5 feet 3 inches tall and weigh around 120 pounds. I have a history of marijuana use, having smoked regularly for several years, though I only partake occasionally now. I wonder if this could be influencing my results in any way. If there was something seriously wrong with my health, wouldn’t my doctor have reached out to inform me? That thought has been troubling me as I await clarity on my situation.
29-Year-Old Male Experiences Minor Hematemesis
A 29-year-old male, standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 160 pounds, reported a concerning incident this morning. He identifies as Caucasian and admits to being a frequent drinker, averaging approximately 18 alcoholic beverages per week, although he is actively trying to reduce that number. Additionally, he smokes around three-quarters of a pack of cigarettes daily. Earlier today, he experienced vomiting after a strong cough triggered a gag reflex, resulting in the expulsion of stomach acid alongside the water he had consumed after waking. What was alarming to him was that towards the end of the vomit, he spotted a small amount of bright red blood. He likened this experience to the slight bleeding of gums that can occur when brushing teeth, noting it did not seem excessive or alarming, just unfamiliar, as this was a first-time occurrence for him. The blood seemed to appear as a residual, rather than during the act of vomiting itself. He is now questioning the level of concern warranted for this incident. Given the minimal quantity of blood observed, he wonders if it might just be a result of the vomiting and whether it signifies a larger issue or, perhaps, it’s something that will not persist after the incident.
What Should I Do If I've Skipped My Statin Medication?
Patient profile: 30-year-old male, height 5'10", weight 268 lbs. Last night, I accidentally forgot to take my Atorvastatin, which is unusual for me. I've just woken up and it's 8:30 AM now. I’m uncertain whether I should take the missed dose now or just forgo it entirely. For context, I have Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) and my usual dosage is 20mg of Atorvastatin.
Health Insights and Queries
**Profile:** Male, Age 51 **Medical Background:** Family history includes mother who passed away due to brain cancer. --- **CT Scan Results** *Dates: March 12, 2025, and May 17, 2025* **Lungs:** - Numerous minute subpleural nodules present in the lower lobes of both lungs. - The largest nodule, measuring 14 mm in the left lung, necessitates a biopsy. - The earlier scan from March indicated micronodular and post-inflammatory changes, though they were smaller and appeared less concerning. **Liver:** - Several hypodense lesions identified in segments 5, 6, and 8 of the liver. - A significant lesion in segment 5 (12x12 mm) shows enhancement with contrast, potentially indicative of either an atypical hemangioma or metastasis. - During the March scan, a lesion measuring 19 mm in segment 6 was noted, thought to be possibly an atypical hemangioma, though the nature remains uncertain. **Additional Findings:** - Presence of small simple renal cortical cysts. - Early signs of osteopenia and mild degenerative changes in the spine detected. - No evidence of bone lesions that are destructive. --- **Inquiries:** 1. Are these findings in the lungs and liver indicative of potential malignancy, either primary or metastatic? 2. Based on this progression, what do you estimate is the probability of cancer being present? 3. Should I pursue a biopsy, PET-CT, or MRI as the next step? 4. Is there a chance that these findings could represent non-cancerous issues, such as post-inflammatory or benign lesions?