Lump Located in Armpit
**Patient Summary:** **Age:** 21 years old **Gender:** Female **Height:** 160 cm **Weight:** 37 kg **Country of residence:** India **Smoking status:** Non-smoker **Alcohol consumption:** None **Medications:** - None currently prescribed **Medical Background:** - Diagnosed with low ferritin levels - Exhibiting low iron count - Deficiency in vitamin B12 - Hemoglobin reading around 11 g/dL - Possible diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - No identified autoimmune disorders - No cancer history noted **Family Health Concerns:** - Family history includes instances of cancer **Chief Complaint:** I have noticed a small, round lump beneath the skin in my left armpit, which feels like a hard ball upon palpation. It feels attached to the surrounding skin, and it has been present for roughly four months. Notably, it causes no pain, the skin appears normal, and there has been no significant change in size. **Location:** - Left armpit **Associated Symptoms:** - No fever present - No episodes of night sweats - No unexplained loss of weight - No signs of redness, warmth, or discharge observed **Additional Information:** - Applied 10% glycolic acid in the armpit area - I experience considerable health anxiety, particularly concerning potential lymphatic cancer or other malignancies - I have a tattoo located in the upper abdomen area, done around three years ago **Inquiry:** Based on this description, does it seem more likely that I am dealing with a benign issue (such as a lipoma, cyst, or reactive lymph node) instead of a malignant condition? Would it be advisable to pursue an ultrasound, and which type of specialist should I seek for further evaluation?
Answers (1)
2/9/2026, 5:00:53 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about a lump in your armpit, especially given your health anxiety and family history. Based on your description, it is more likely that the lump could be a benign condition, such as a lipoma (a fatty growth), a cyst, or an enlarged lymph node, rather than a malignant one. Here's a clearer breakdown of your situation and next steps:
Explanation:
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Benign vs. Malignant: The characteristics you describe—a small, round lump that is hard, attached to the skin, and painless—are more commonly seen in benign conditions. Malignant lumps tend to grow rapidly and may present with other concerning symptoms, which you do not have (e.g., fever, night sweats, changes in the skin, or unexplained weight loss).
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Reactive Lymph Node: Given that lymph nodes can enlarge in response to various non-cancerous conditions (like irritation or infections), this could also be a reactive lymph node, especially if you've had any infections or skin irritations recently.
Next Steps:
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Observation: Continue to monitor the lump over the next few weeks. If it remains stable (not increasing in size or changing) and is not causing discomfort, it might be reasonable to begin with observation.
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Consult a Specialist: If you feel more comfortable seeking further evaluation, you can consult a dermatologist, who specializes in skin conditions, or a general surgeon, who can assess lumps and guide potential next steps.
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Consider Imaging: An ultrasound may be beneficial to get a clearer picture of the lump’s structure. This can help differentiate between benign and potentially more serious issues without invasive procedures initially.
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Manage Health Anxiety: As anxiety regarding health can heighten concerns, consider practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness to reduce anxiety moments related to your health.
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Stay Informed: If you choose to pursue imaging or a consultation, prepare a list of questions or concerns to ensure you cover everything you'd like to understand during your appointments.
If you notice any changes in the lump or have new symptoms, please seek medical attention sooner. Remember, you're not alone in this process, and many people experience similar health concerns. Take care of yourself!
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