Glands under arms swollen. Swollen Lymph Nodes in Armpit: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

28.12.202010.07.2023 by alexxlab

What are the common causes of swollen lymph nodes in the armpit. How can you identify the symptoms of swollen armpit lymph nodes. What treatment options are available for swollen lymph nodes in the armpit. When should you seek medical attention for swollen armpit lymph nodes.

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Understanding Lymph Nodes and Their Function

Lymph nodes are crucial components of the body’s immune system, playing a vital role in filtering out harmful substances and fighting infections. These small, bean-shaped structures are found throughout the body, including the armpits, neck, and groin. When the body is combating an infection or injury, lymph nodes may swell as they work harder to filter unwanted cells from the lymph fluid.

Lymph is a clear, watery fluid that circulates through the body, carrying oxygen to cells and transporting waste products away. It also contains white blood cells, which are essential for fighting infections. As lymph nodes intensify their efforts to remove waste, they can become enlarged, a condition known as lymphadenopathy.

Why Do Lymph Nodes Swell?

Lymph node swelling occurs when the immune system is activated in response to various stimuli. This can include:

Infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal)
Injuries or trauma to nearby areas
Inflammatory conditions
Certain medications
Cancer (in rare cases)

The enlargement of lymph nodes is often localized to the area near the infection or injury. For instance, an infection in the arm may cause swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpit on the affected side.

Common Viral Causes of Swollen Armpit Lymph Nodes

Viral infections are among the most frequent causes of swollen lymph nodes in the armpit. These infections can range from common, mild illnesses to more severe conditions. Here are some viral culprits:

Influenza (Flu)

The flu is a respiratory infection that can cause lymph node swelling as the body fights off the virus. Unlike some other viral infections, flu symptoms often develop suddenly and can be more severe.

Common flu symptoms include:

Sudden onset of fatigue
Sore throat
Persistent cough
Runny or congested nose
Body aches and muscle pain
Severe headaches
Fever or chills

While most people recover from the flu without treatment, certain groups are at higher risk for complications. These include young children, adults over 65, pregnant individuals, and those with underlying health conditions. For these groups, antiviral medication may be necessary to prevent severe symptoms.

Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono)

Often called “mono” or “glandular fever,” this viral infection can cause swelling in the lymph nodes of the neck and armpits. Mono is typically caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and is common among teenagers and young adults.

Symptoms of mono include:

Extreme fatigue lasting for weeks
Persistent fever
Swelling of the liver or spleen
Severe sore throat
Body aches and muscle pain
Intense headaches

Mono usually resolves on its own within 2-4 weeks, although some individuals may experience symptoms for a longer period. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms through rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers.

Other Viral Infections

Several other viruses can cause swollen lymph nodes in the armpit, often accompanied by additional symptoms. These include:

Varicella-zoster virus (causing chickenpox)
Measles virus
Mumps virus
Rubella virus
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

These infections typically produce other visible symptoms, such as distinctive rashes or fever patterns, which can aid in diagnosis.

Bacterial Infections Leading to Swollen Armpit Lymph Nodes

While viral infections are common causes of swollen lymph nodes, bacterial infections can also result in lymphadenopathy. Two notable bacterial infections that may affect the armpit lymph nodes are cellulitis and Lyme disease.

Cellulitis: A Skin Deep Infection

Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that occurs when bacteria penetrate the skin’s protective barrier, often through a cut, scrape, or other forms of skin damage. This infection can cause nearby lymph nodes to swell, including those in the armpit if the infection is in the arm or upper body.

Symptoms of cellulitis include:

Pain and swelling at the infection site
Skin sores or lesions
Warm skin to the touch
Redness (may be less noticeable on darker skin tones)
Hardening or tightening of the skin
Fluid accumulation under the skin

Additional systemic symptoms may include fever, chills, body aches, and fatigue. Treatment for cellulitis typically involves a course of antibiotics. In severe cases or when intravenous antibiotics are required, hospitalization may be necessary.

Lyme Disease: A Tick-Borne Infection

Lyme disease is transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. One of the early signs of Lyme disease can be swollen lymph nodes, which may appear 3-30 days after the tick bite occurs.

Early symptoms of Lyme disease include:

A characteristic circular rash resembling a bull’s-eye at the bite site
Fever and chills
Joint or muscle pain
Extreme fatigue
Headaches

Prompt medical attention is crucial for Lyme disease. Treatment typically involves a course of antibiotics, which are most effective when started early in the disease progression.

Recognizing Symptoms of Swollen Armpit Lymph Nodes

Identifying swollen lymph nodes in the armpit is an important step in determining whether medical attention is needed. The symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause, but there are some common signs to look out for:

A noticeable lump or swelling in the armpit area
Tenderness or pain when touching the affected area
Redness or warmth of the skin over the swollen node
A feeling of fullness or discomfort in the armpit
Limited range of motion in the arm on the affected side

In some cases, the swollen lymph node may be visibly enlarged under the skin. However, in other instances, it may be smaller or located deeper in the body, only becoming apparent when the area is palpated.

Is Armpit Lymph Node Swelling Always Painful?

While swollen lymph nodes are often associated with pain or discomfort, this is not always the case. Some individuals may experience painless swelling, especially if the underlying cause is a slow-growing condition or a chronic illness. However, the absence of pain does not necessarily indicate a less serious condition, and any persistent swelling should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Swollen Armpit Lymph Nodes

While many cases of swollen lymph nodes in the armpit resolve on their own, there are situations where medical attention is necessary. It’s important to know when to consult a healthcare provider:

Swelling persists for more than two weeks
The lymph node continues to enlarge over time
The swollen area is hard, fixed in place, or doesn’t move when touched
You experience unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or fever
The skin over the lymph node becomes red, inflamed, or breaks open
You have difficulty moving your arm or experience severe pain
The swelling appears suddenly and grows rapidly

These symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires prompt medical evaluation and treatment.

What Diagnostic Procedures Might a Doctor Use?

When evaluating swollen armpit lymph nodes, a healthcare provider may employ various diagnostic tools and procedures:

Physical examination: The doctor will palpate the affected area to assess the size, texture, and mobility of the lymph node.
Medical history review: A detailed discussion of symptoms, recent illnesses, and potential exposures can provide valuable context.
Blood tests: These can help identify infections, inflammatory conditions, or other systemic issues.
Imaging studies: Ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI may be used to visualize the lymph nodes and surrounding tissues.
Biopsy: In some cases, a small sample of the lymph node may be removed for microscopic examination.

The choice of diagnostic procedures will depend on the individual’s symptoms, medical history, and the healthcare provider’s clinical assessment.

Treatment Options for Swollen Armpit Lymph Nodes

The treatment for swollen lymph nodes in the armpit depends on the underlying cause. In many cases, especially when the swelling is due to a minor infection, the lymph nodes will return to normal size once the infection clears. However, there are various treatment approaches that may be recommended:

Home Remedies and Self-Care

For mild cases of swollen lymph nodes, the following self-care measures may be helpful:

Applying warm compresses to the affected area
Taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
Getting adequate rest to support the immune system
Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids

Medical Treatments

Depending on the cause, medical treatments may include:

Antibiotics for bacterial infections
Antiviral medications for certain viral infections
Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling and pain
Drainage of any abscesses that may have formed
In rare cases, surgical removal of the affected lymph node

For more serious conditions, such as cancer, treatment plans will be tailored to the specific diagnosis and may involve a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Prevention and Long-Term Management of Lymph Node Health

While it’s not always possible to prevent swollen lymph nodes, there are steps you can take to maintain overall lymphatic health and reduce the risk of infections that could lead to lymph node swelling:

Practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing
Stay up-to-date on vaccinations, including annual flu shots
Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly to support immune function
Avoid close contact with individuals who have contagious illnesses
Protect yourself from tick bites when in wooded or grassy areas
Promptly clean and care for any cuts or wounds to prevent infection

Can Lymphatic Massage Help?

Lymphatic massage, also known as lymphatic drainage, is a gentle massage technique that aims to promote the movement of lymph fluids through the body. While it may provide some relief for mild swelling, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before trying this method, especially if the cause of the swollen lymph nodes is unknown.

For individuals with chronic lymphatic issues, a healthcare provider may recommend ongoing management strategies, which could include:

Regular check-ups to monitor lymph node health
Wearing compression garments to promote lymph flow
Engaging in specific exercises designed to stimulate the lymphatic system
Making lifestyle modifications to reduce the risk of infections or complications

By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for swollen lymph nodes in the armpit, individuals can better manage their health and know when to seek medical attention. While swollen lymph nodes are often a sign that the body is fighting off an infection, persistent or concerning symptoms should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Swollen lymph nodes in armpit: Symptoms, causes, and treatment

Lymph nodes are part of the body’s immune system. A swollen lymph node in the armpit may be a sign of a bacterial or viral infection, an injury, or a serious health condition, such as cancer.

The possible causes of lymph node swelling range in severity from common infections that typically resolve on their own to more serious conditions, such as lymphoma.

In this article, we look at why lymph nodes swell, the most common causes of this symptom, and when to consult a doctor.

When a person has an infection or injury, the lymph nodes may swell as they start to filter unwanted cells from the lymph.

Lymph is a watery fluid that carries oxygen to the cells and transports waste products away from them. It also contains white blood cells, which help fight infections.

As the lymph nodes begin to work harder to remove waste, they can enlarge. This enlargement is more common in certain areas of the body, including the neck, armpits, and groin.

A swollen lymph node may be painful and tender to the touch. In some cases, it will be visibly enlarged under the skin, but in others, it will be smaller or deeper in the body and only apparent when touching the area.

Many viruses can cause swollen lymph nodes. These include:

varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox
measles
mumps
rubella
HIV

Infections with these viruses usually produce other visible symptoms, such as a rash.

However, other viral conditions can cause swollen lymph nodes with no other visible symptoms. These include:

Influenza (flu)

The flu is a respiratory infection that can also cause the lymph nodes to swell. The symptoms of the flu are similar to those of other respiratory viruses, but they tend to be more severe. They also often develop suddenly rather than gradually.

Other symptoms of the flu include:

fatigue
sore throat
a cough
runny or stuffy nose
body aches
headaches
fever or chills

Vomiting and diarrhea can also occur, but these symptoms are more common in children.

While a person has the flu, they should stay at home and rest, avoiding contact with others. Most people recover from the flu without treatment, but it can sometimes cause complications.

People who are most at risk of complications include:

young children
adults over 65 years of age
pregnant people
people with underlying health conditions

People in these groups may need antiviral medication to prevent severe symptoms. Getting a flu vaccine each year is the best way to avoid getting the flu.

Infectious mononucleosis

Infectious mononucleosis, also known as mono or glandular fever, is the result of a viral infection. It can cause lymph nodes in the neck and armpits to swell. Mono also causes symptoms such as:

extreme fatigue
fever
swelling in the liver, spleen, or both
sore throat
body aches
headaches

Mono will eventually go away on its own. Most people recover in 2–4 weeks, but some experience symptoms for longer. Resting, drinking fluids, and taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can help during recovery.

Bacterial infections can also cause the lymph nodes to swell. Some examples of infections that could affect the nodes in the armpit include:

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a skin infection. It occurs when bacteria penetrate the skin and infect the deeper layers, potentially as a result of an injury that led to an area of broken skin.

Cellulitis may cause nearby lymph nodes to swell. For example, an infection in the arm may cause the lymph nodes in the armpit to enlarge. Common symptoms of cellulitis at the infection site include:

pain and swelling
skin sores
skin that is warm to the touch
redness, which may be less apparent in people with dark skin tones
hardening of the skin
fluid collection under the skin

Additional symptoms of cellulitis may include:

fever or chills
body aches
muscle and joint pain
vomiting and nausea
fatigue

Doctors treat cellulitis with antibiotics. A person may need to stay in the hospital if the infection is severe or they require IV antibiotics, which a doctor administers directly into a vein.

Lyme disease

Lyme disease spreads via the saliva of certain species of tick, which are small insects that can bite humans. One of the early symptoms of Lyme disease is swollen lymph nodes, which may appear 3–30 days after the tick bite occurred.

Other early symptoms include:

a circular rash resembling a bull’s-eye at the site of the bite
fever
chills
joint or muscle aches
fatigue
headaches

A doctor will typically prescribe antibiotics to treat Lyme disease. Anyone who suspects that they have this condition should seek medical attention promptly.

Other bacterial infections that can cause swollen lymph nodes include:

chlamydia
syphilis
tuberculosis

However, these infections typically affect the lymph nodes in other areas of the body, such as the neck or groin. They are less likely to cause swelling in the armpits.

Bacteria and viruses are not always responsible for swollen lymph nodes in the armpit. Other possible causes include:

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of several autoimmune conditions that can cause swollen lymph nodes.

RA occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, causing stiffness, pain, and warmth.

A 2019 review article states that RA affects the lymph nodes, reducing their capacity to drain fluid from nearby inflamed joints. This impairment may lead to local lymph node enlargement.

Doctors treat RA with medications that reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Physical therapy may also help. In some cases, a doctor may recommend surgery to replace or repair affected joints.

Cancer

In some cases, swollen lymph nodes are a symptom of cancer.

Cancer that begins in the lymphatic system is known as lymphoma. There are several types of lymphoma, including:

Hodgkin lymphoma
non-Hodgkin lymphoma
non-Hodgkin lymphoma in children
Waldenström macroglobulinemia
lymphoma of the skin

In addition to swollen lymph nodes, the symptoms of lymphoma can include:

unintentional weight loss
feeling tired
fever
night sweats

Other types of cancer that have spread to the lymph nodes, such as breast cancer, can also cause swelling in these parts of the body.

The type and stage of the cancer, as well as a person’s age and overall health, will affect what treatment doctors recommend.

However, it is worth remembering that there are many causes of swollen lymph nodes that are not related to cancer.

A doctor can determine the cause of swollen lymph nodes in the armpit and recommend the best treatment. They may ask about the person’s symptoms, review their medical history, and perform a physical examination.

In some cases, a doctor may also carry out diagnostic tests, such as blood tests, a biopsy, or medical imaging.

In most cases, the swelling in lymph nodes under the armpit will resolve within 1–2 weeks.

If the swelling lasts for longer or worsens over time, a person should speak with a doctor.

Swollen lymph nodes can be painful. While a person receives medical treatment, they can also try certain techniques at home to ease any tenderness.

For instance, a person can apply a warm compress to reduce pain. They can run warm or hot water over a washcloth and wring it mostly dry before placing it on the swollen lymph node.

People can also take OTC pain medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to relieve pain. A person should talk with their doctor if they are not sure what medications are best for them.

Anyone with swollen lymph nodes in their armpit should talk with a doctor. Swollen lymph nodes have many potential causes, and a doctor can rule out possibilities that require prompt treatment, such as Lyme disease.

Although swollen lymph nodes often result from an infection, it is important for a person to schedule an appointment if:

the swelling continues for more than 2 weeks or worsens after this time
the lump feels hard or does not move when a person touches it
there is swelling in lymph nodes in more than one area — for example, in both the neck and armpits
the swollen lymph nodes are not painful
there are other symptoms, such as fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss

A person should also consult their doctor about swollen lymph nodes if they have previously had cancer treatment.

Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit can be a sign of common viral infections, such as the flu or mono. They can also occur as a result of a bacterial infection or RA. In some cases, swollen lymph nodes are a symptom of cancer.

Warm compresses and OTC pain medication can ease any pain or tenderness. However, a person should talk with a doctor if they have swollen lymph nodes with no clear cause.