Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit, whether large or small, can cause discomfort and anxiety for those affected. This condition can be a simple allergic reaction, but it can also be a warning sign of a more serious illness. Therefore, it is important not to ignore any unusual lumps in the armpit
1. Characteristics of Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Armpit
The armpit contains a system of lymph nodes that play a role in the immune system, protecting the body. Superficial lymph nodes under the skin can be felt as round or flat lumps. However, deeper lymph nodes are harder to detect and are only noticed when they become swollen. Painful and swollen lymph nodes in the armpit are a warning sign of health and immune system issues.
There are many causes of swollen lymph nodes in the armpit, such as infections, trauma to the lymph nodes and surrounding areas, or metastatic cancer. If the swelling is due to trauma or infection, it will usually resolve quickly and not significantly affect health. However, most patients with metastatic breast cancer have swollen lymph nodes in the armpit. Therefore, it is important not to ignore this symptom, especially for women, and to seek medical attention to determine the cause.
2. Classification of Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Armpit
Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit are classified into two main types: benign and malignant, with different treatment approaches. Malignant lymph nodes can seriously affect the patient's health and, if not treated promptly, can lead to dangerous complications.
2.1. Benign Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Armpit
Benign lymph nodes function to protect the body from pathogens. Most of these nodes do not affect health and tend to disappear after a while.
Benign causes of swollen lymph nodes in the armpit include:
- Trauma to the chest, armpit, or arm
- Infections in the chest, armpit, or arm
- Immune response after surgery or procedures involving foreign objects in the body (e.g., silicone implants, breast implants, bone grafts)
- Immune response to fungal or viral infections
- Immune response after vaccination
- Side effects of certain medications
- Fibromas (benign tumors formed by the growth of fibrous tissue)
- Lipomas (benign tumors formed by the growth of fatty tissue)
- Sweat gland infections
2.2. Malignant Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Armpit
Some cases of swollen lymph nodes in the armpit indicate abnormalities or serious illnesses, such as breast cancer, lymphoma, melanoma, or leukemia. These conditions are very dangerous and require early diagnosis and treatment to prevent severe complications.
3. Characteristics of Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Armpit Between Genders
3.1. Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Armpit in Men
For men, in addition to the previously mentioned causes, another common reason is muscle knots. This condition occurs when they overexert or frequently use their upper body. Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit in this case are usually benign and resolve on their own. To quickly treat swollen lymph nodes in the armpit due to muscle knots, patients should rest and massage the muscles to help the nodes disappear.
3.2. Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Armpit in Women
When women notice swollen lymph nodes in the armpit, they should self-examine their breasts and look for abnormalities such as:
- Unusual size and shape of the breasts (one breast larger than the other, one breast sagging and misshapen)
- Feeling small lumps in the breast
- Swollen lymph nodes in nearby areas (e.g., swollen lymph nodes in the neck)
- Nipple discharge, which can also be a sign of breast cancer but needs to be diagnosed through endoscopy and smear analysis
- Changes in the nipple (flattened, rough, scaly, inflamed, or unusually retracted)
If you notice swollen lymph nodes in the armpit along with any of the above abnormalities, you should quickly visit a reputable medical facility for a definitive diagnosis and timely treatment.
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