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| Definition: | Enlargement of one or more lymph nodes in the armpit(s).
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| Alternative Names: | Lump in the armpit; Localized lymphadenopathy - armpit; Axillary lymphadenopathy; Axillary lymphs enlarged; Lymph nodes enlarged-axillary; Axillary abscess
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| Considerations: | Lumps in the armpit (axilla) may arise from various causes. Cysts and superficial infections in the skin of the armpit may follow shaving or use of antiperspirants (as compared to deodorants). This occurs most frequently in adolescents just beginning to shave. Subcutaneousabscesses may also produce large painful lumps in the axilla.
Lumps may be produced by enlargement of the lymph nodes secondary to bacterial infections, viral infections, antigenic stimulation (as from vaccinations), and malignancy. A breast self-examination should always include the armpit because breast cancer can enlarge the armpit lymph nodes even when the breast itself seems perfectly normal.
Lymph nodes are filters that can catch malignant tumor cells or infectious organisms. When they do, lymph nodes increase in size and are easily felt.
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| Common Causes: | - bacterial
- localized infection, possibly somewhere in the arm or breast draining into the glands of the armpit, or infection within the armpit itself
- cat scratch disease
- ascending lymphangitis
- lymphadenitis, lymphangitis
- viral
- malignant
- fungal
- antigenic
- smallpox vaccination
- typhoid vaccine
- measles, mumps, rubella vaccine (rare)
- allergic reaction possibly caused by sulfa drugs, iodine, or penicillin
- other
- lipomas (harmless fatty growths)
- benigncyst
- normal breast tissue (breast tissue extends into the armpit area)
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Review Date: 12/5/2001
Reviewed By: Camille Kotton, M.D., Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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