OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Lumps in the Armpit

7/5/2025, 7:20:14 AMMale25-34

At the age of 19, I’ve noticed a firm, non-painful lump in my armpit that feels like a small bouncy ball, and it doesn't move when I touch it. The skin above the lump appears to move freely. Additionally, I have discovered a third lump positioned just beneath my arm. I am concerned about these formations and would like to understand more about their nature and possible implications.

ArthritisInternal MedicineRheumatology

Answers (1)

Cony

7/5/2025, 7:20:28 AM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to feel concerned about lumps in your armpit, especially when they involve changes in your body. The presence of firm, non-painful lumps can arise from various causes, and while many are benign, it's important to understand what you might be dealing with.

Key Points:

  1. Common Causes: Lumps in the armpit area can be swollen lymph nodes, cysts, or lipomas (benign fatty tumors). Given that your lumps are non-painful and firm, they may not be a cause for immediate concern, but observing them is essential.
  2. Lymph Nodes: The lymph nodes can swell in response to infections, inflammation, or other conditions, which could explain your symptoms. The fact that they are not painful could be reassuring, but monitoring is still important.
  3. Skin Mobility: The skin moving freely over the lump suggests that it may be located deeper and is less likely to be stuck to the skin surface, which can often indicate a benign condition.

Next Steps:

  1. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the lumps over the next few weeks. Track any changes in size, shape, or the development of any new symptoms, such as pain or redness.
  2. Self-Examination: Regularly examine the lumps for any changes. Note any additional lumps that might appear. It can also help to reflect on recent illnesses or vaccinations, which can cause temporary lymph node enlargement.
  3. Lifestyle Adjustments: Ensure you’re maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and staying hydrated. This can support overall health and your immune system.
  4. Seek Evaluation if Necessary: If you notice significant changes, such as rapid growth, pain, or if new symptoms arise, consider seeking a professional evaluation for further investigation. Familiarizing yourself with your own body is a crucial step in proactive health management.

Remember, while it’s natural to feel anxious about changes in your body, many lumps turn out to be harmless. Keeping track of any changes combined with proactive self-care will serve you well. Let me know if you have any further questions or need additional information!

Related Questions

Why Are My Elbows in Pain for No Apparent Reason?

I’m a 29-year-old woman lying awake in bed, unable to sleep due to excruciating pain in my inner elbows. Even the slightest movement sends sharp discomfort racing down my arms. I’m trying to think of what might have caused this. Yesterday, I did a fair amount of walking, but it wasn't particularly strenuous. The only item I carried was a standard water bottle, which didn’t feel burdensome at all. Additionally, my arms are sunburned, though it’s a moderate level of sunburn, causing some heat and discomfort but not to the point where I feel utterly miserable. I plan to take some ibuprofen and get plenty of rest. Should I consider seeing a doctor about this issue in the near future? Thanks in advance for any advice!

ArthritisFibromyalgiaInternal Medicine
Male25-34
35 minutes ago

Understanding HSV and Balantitis: What You Need to Know

For the past twenty days, I've been dealing with an unusual condition affecting my penis. Initially, I noticed a pimple-like bump on the glans, which eventually resolved on its own after a few days. However, shortly thereafter, a new ulcer formed beneath the penile glans. I'm seeking clarity on whether this could be a herpes infection or a case of balantitis. I'm a 45-year-old man, and my lifestyle includes no smoking or drinking. I'm married and have not engaged in any extramarital activities. At present, I'm applying Fudic-H cream. My HSV 1/2 IgG test results show a reading greater than 200, while the normal range is under 20. Should I consider starting acyclovir treatment, or is it advisable to allow more time to see if it resolves itself?

Multiple SclerosisEndocrinologyRheumatology
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Experiencing Edema After Reintroducing Animal Protein

Overview: I am a female, 18 years old, currently struggling with anorexia, and my BMI is recorded at 11.3. Recent laboratory results reveal an ANC of 0.81 and an ALT of 500. Every time I reintroduce animal protein into my meals, I notice swelling in my feet and ankles. I consistently monitor my protein and calorie consumption, which remains unchanged daily thanks to an app. The swelling isn’t immediate after my meals; however, it becomes more pronounced with increased animal-derived protein. At times, my toes swell significantly enough that they appear to be fused together. I believe the situation is not critical, as I have shared images of my swollen feet with my psychiatrist, who did not recommend any changes to my diet. I’m curious to know if my elevated AST levels and/or low white blood cell count might be contributing to this edema. Thank you for your insights.

ArthritisCrohn's DiseaseThyroid Disorders
Male25-34
2 hours ago

Experiencing Head Pain After Otitis Externa Diagnosis

I have never encountered an ear infection in my life, but it seems that has now changed. About two weeks back, I began to suffer from severe allergy symptoms along with a sore throat, albeit without a fever. A few days later, I awoke to find my right ear feeling blocked. While the discomfort was minimal, I did experience occasional jaw pain, muffled hearing, and still no signs of fever. In an effort to manage these symptoms, I tried allergy medication and used a neti pot, but ultimately sought urgent care. That led to a diagnosis of Otitis Externa, for which I was prescribed Ofloxacin ear drops with a concentration of 0.3%, to be administered daily. Now, three days into the treatment, I notice slight improvement in my ear. It has popped a few times, resulting in reduced internal pressure, yet my hearing remains compromised. However, a new concern has arisen: I’ve started feeling a radiating pain along the back of my head, specifically a couple of inches above the ear that is infected. Moreover, I still have occasional coughing spells and my right sinus seems to be congested more frequently. Thankfully, there’s no fever, no visible rash, and no signs of inflammation or swelling. My primary concern is whether the head pain I’m experiencing is a typical symptom under these circumstances. I understand the importance of continuing the ear drops, but I’d like to know when I should consider returning to the clinic. Given my current lack of insurance, my ability to go to urgent care for every new symptom is limited; however, I'm apprehensive about neglecting it if it could worsen. I’ve been searching for answers online, but with my anxiety, that often escalates my worries instead of providing clarity.

LupusCrohn's DiseaseInternal Medicine
Male25-34
2 hours ago

Seeking Insights on a Forehead Growth

I’m a 24-year-old female and have noticed a hard bony growth on my forehead, just above where my hairline begins, developing over the past 2 to 3 years. Initially, this growth caused some discomfort, prompting me to seek the expertise of two neurologists. I underwent both a CT scan and an MRI, but the findings were deemed normal. One of the specialists recommended a medication called Migrabeta, which temporarily alleviated my pain. Still, I chose to discontinue its use as I preferred not to depend on pain relief medications for an extended period. Currently, I’ve observed that the growth appears to be enlarging, and I’m at a loss about how to proceed. I would greatly appreciate any insights or advice on what this condition might be. Thank you!

Multiple SclerosisCOPDInternal Medicine
Male25-34
2 hours ago