Persistent Swelling in Armpit Area for Several Years
I’m a 16-year-old female from a South Asian background without any notable medical history. Approximately three years ago, shortly after shaving, I discovered some abnormal swelling in my armpit area while I was putting on deodorant. When I examined it closely, I felt a small, firm mass that seemed to be about 1 to 2 cm in size. At that time, I was dealing with some ingrown hairs and a few acne spots caused by improper shaving techniques. Upon reflection, I now suspect that what I felt was a swollen lymph node. Notably, this swelling has remained unchanged throughout the years—it’s still quite firm, stationary, and completely painless. Fortunately, it hasn’t exhibited any signs of increased swelling. However, I struggle with significant health-related anxiety and am deeply concerned about the possibility of something serious, such as cancer. Aside from this issue, I haven’t experienced any additional symptoms whatsoever. I would really appreciate any guidance or reassurance!
Answers (1)
7/21/2025, 2:01:48 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel anxious about a persistent concern like swelling, especially when it’s been present for several years. The firm, painless mass you describe, particularly if you believe it may be a lymph node, is often not unusual, especially in young adults and can be related to various benign conditions.
Explanation
Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit (axillary region) can occur due to several reasons such as infections, inflammation (like from ingrown hairs), or even trivial causes like irritation from shaving. The fact that yours has been stable for years—firm, stationary, and painless—is generally not associated with serious conditions like cancer. Lymph nodes that are concerning typically change over time, often becoming painful or larger, which is not your case.
Next Steps
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Self-Observation: Continue to monitor the lymph node. Note any changes in size, texture, or any accompanying symptoms (like fever or unexplained weight loss). Keeping a record can help track developments.
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Focus on Skin Care: Since you've had issues with shaving in the past, ensure that you are using appropriate techniques to avoid ingrown hairs or irritation. Consider using a gentle exfoliant or switching to a different shaving method (like using an electric razor) to minimize skin problems.
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Practice Anxiety Management: Given your health-related anxiety, incorporating stress-reduction techniques, like mindfulness or breathing exercises, can significantly help. Regular physical activity and talking to someone about your concerns may also be beneficial.
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Routine Check-ups: While immediate medical attention doesn’t seem necessary, consider mentioning this swelling to a healthcare professional during your next routine visit for additional reassurance.
Conclusion
While it's natural to worry about health issues, your current symptoms suggest that this swelling is likely due to harmless causes, especially given its long-standing nature. Continue observing and practicing good skin care, and manage any anxiety actively. If in the future you observe changes in the swelling or have new concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out for further evaluation. You're doing a great job in monitoring your health!
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