What’s This Small Lump in My Armpit?
Hello, I'm a 16-year-old female with no significant medical issues apart from elevated blood pressure due to stress. About two to three years ago, I discovered a tiny lump in my armpit, roughly the size of a pea, shortly after shaving. It became inflamed when I applied deodorant and caused a bit of soreness, which made me take notice. At that time, I observed a small cyst-like area above it that occasionally discharged fluid, but the lump beneath felt deeper than what I initially thought. After some time, I stopped worrying about it and assumed it was just a benign cyst. Recently, I revisited the site and realized there's no tenderness or visible cyst head noticeable now. I did see a small area that resembles a head but I'm uncertain if it's connected to the lump. The lump doesn't seem very pronounced and feels slightly deep, though it always may have? Locating the lump can be challenging, as it requires quite a bit of pressure for me to detect it. It doesn't shift with minimal touch but does move when I manipulate the skin around it. For the past three years, it's been a non-issue, but I suddenly recalled its presence. Is this something to be concerned about? Should I seek medical advice?
Answers (1)
7/19/2025, 9:40:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about a lump in your armpit, especially after experiencing changes. Based on your description, this lump could likely be a benign issue, such as a lipoma (a slow-growing fatty tumor) or an epidermoid cyst. However, since you’ve observed it over several years and any changes can be significant, there are steps to consider.
Explanation
Lumps in the armpit area can arise for various reasons, such as:
- Sebaceous cysts: These are often harmless and can develop after hair follicle blockage.
- Lymph nodes: These can swell due to infections or inflammation, often causing tenderness.
- Fatty tumors (lipomas): Soft, movable lumps that are usually painless.
- Infection: An abscess or other skin infection might also present as a lump.
Since you have not noticed any tenderness recently and the lump has been stable, it’s still wise to keep an eye on it. Key indicators to watch for include any changes in size, tenderness, or if you develop a fever or systemic symptoms.
Next Steps
- Monitor the Lump: Keep track of any changes. Note if it gets larger, feels different, or becomes painful.
- Avoid Irritants: Since you mentioned tenderness when applying deodorant, consider using a fragrance-free or gentle product and avoid any known irritants.
- Maintain Hygiene: Keep the armpit area clean and dry to help prevent any irritation or infections.
- Regular Self-Checks: Regularly check the lump to familiarize yourself with any changes, noting size and any new sore spots.
- Seek Medical Advice: If you notice any changes in the lump (such as swelling, pain, or discharge) or develop new symptoms (like fever or night sweats), it would be prudent to consult a healthcare professional for an examination.
It's great that you are attentive to your body, and staying observant while practicing self-care will be beneficial. If you have further questions or concerns, feel free to reach out!
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