Is That Lump in My Armpit a Cause for Concern?
Hi there, I’m a 16-year-old girl. A couple of years ago, I discovered a small lump in my armpit, slightly bigger than a pea, shortly after shaving. It became inflamed when I applied deodorant and was slightly uncomfortable, which is what drew my attention to it. Above the lump, there appeared to be a cyst-like area that oozed, though the lump itself felt deeper than the surface. Eventually, I stopped worrying about it, convincing myself it was just a harmless cyst. Now, upon checking it again, I’ve noticed there’s no pain, and I can’t identify a clear head on it anymore. It doesn’t feel overly firm or noticeable, and it seems to be a bit deeper unless I position my arm in a certain way. When I pull the skin tight, the lump doesn’t shift, but it moves easily when I gently push the skin aside. It hasn’t caused me any discomfort for the past three years, but I recently remembered it and began to wonder. Is this situation typical, or should I be concerned about it? :(
Answers (1)
7/19/2025, 1:20:32 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about any lump, especially in an area like the armpit. Based on your description, it sounds like this lump could be a benign issue, such as a lymph node or a cyst that has settled over time. However, it's always good to keep an eye on any changes in your body.
Explanation: Lumps in the armpit can arise from a variety of causes, including lymph nodes reacting to infections, benign cysts, or sometimes folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles). The fact that it has been present for a few years without significant changes—like pain or noticeable growth—suggests it might not be a cause for immediate concern.
Next Steps:
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Self-Monitoring: Continue to observe the lump for any changes, especially in size, firmness, or the development of new symptoms such as pain or redness.
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Gentle Care: Avoid any irritants, such as strong deodorants or harsh shaving techniques, that could exacerbate inflammation in the area.
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When to Seek Attention: If the lump becomes painful, grows noticeably, or if you notice systemic symptoms like fever or unintentional weight loss, it would be wise to seek medical attention. These could indicate an infection or another condition that needs evaluation.
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Routine Check-Up: If you’re still worried or if it’s weighing on your mind, mention it at your next routine check-up, even if it hasn’t changed. It's normal to seek reassurance, especially in a teenage body, which can experience many changes.
It's completely normal to have concerns about your health, and taking steps to understand your body better is always a good choice. You're doing a great job by paying attention to it! If you have more questions or need reassurance, feel free to ask.
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