Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Armpit: Pictures, Treatments, & More

Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit may indicate an infection, injury, or disease that requires medical attention. However, it’s usually not a sign of cancer.

Read on to learn what it means to have swollen lymph nodes in your armpit.

Lymph nodes are critical parts of the immune system. They filter foreign substances from the body and store white blood cells called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes fight disease and infections.

You have hundreds of small bean-shaped lymph nodes throughout the body, including in your:

• neck
• armpit
• chest
• abdomen
• groin

A lymph node in the armpit that’s only slightly enlarged may be difficult to see, but you may be able to feel it with your fingers. A serious infection or other condition may cause one or more nodes to swell enough that you can see a lump under your skin.

Keep in mind that the armpit contains many nodes, so swelling could occur in the front, center, or back of the armpit, as well as along part of the upper arm near the armpit.

In addition to being swollen, an affected lymph node may also be sore or tender to the touch.

Share on PinterestCT scan showing swollen lymph nodes in armpit.
Ahn, R. W., Mootz, A. R., Brewington, C. C., & Abbara, S.

Share on PinterestSwollen lymph nodes in the armpit due to infection.
Casa nayafana/Shuuterstock

Share on PinterestEnlarged lymph nodes in the armpit due to tuberculosis.
Zay Nyi Nyi/Shutterstock

To check for a swollen lymph node in the armpit, lift your arm slightly and gently place your fingers into your armpit. Press your fingers against the center of the armpit and then around the front and back of the armpit along the chest wall. Do the same on the other side.

Lymph nodes exist in pairs on each side of the body, and typically only one node in a pair will be swollen. By comparing both sides, it may be a little easier to tell if one is enlarged.

If lymph nodes are swollen in more than one part of the body, the condition is known as generalized lymphadenopathy, which suggests a systemic illness. Localized lymphadenopathy refers to swollen lymph node(s) in one location.

The location of swollen lymph nodes usually suggests the cause of the problem. A swollen lymph node in the neck, for example, is often a sign of an upper respiratory infection.

When lymph nodes in the armpit become swollen, your body may be fighting a viral infection, or any of several other conditions. The potential causes of a swollen lymph node in the armpit can include:

Viral infection

Common viruses can trigger swelling in one or more lymph nodes in the armpit. They can include:

• flu
• common cold
• mononucleosis

More serious viral infections that may cause lymph node enlargement include herpes, rubella, and HIV.

These viruses may also cause lymph nodes in the neck to become enlarged, too. In many cases, rest, fluids, and time are all that you can do while your immune system fights off the virus. For certain viral infections, like HIV, antiviral medications may be necessary.

Bacterial infection

Some common bacterial infections on the arm or surrounding chest wall, including staphylococcus and streptococcus, can lead to an enlarged lymph node in the armpit and elsewhere in the body. Antibiotics and rest are usually enough to overcome a bacterial infection.

Immune system disorder

Flare-ups of autoimmune disorders, like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, can cause temporary enlargement of the lymph nodes in an armpit. Treatments vary, depending on the cause, but anti-inflammatory medications, pain relievers, and in serious cases, immunosuppressant drugs may be necessary.

Cancer

Certain types of cancer directly involve the lymphatic system. Lymphoma actually originates in the lymph glands. Leukemia, a cancer of the blood cells, can cause inflammation and swelling of the lymph nodes.

Cancers that form in other organs or tissue may spread to the lymphatic system. Breast cancer, for example, can cause swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpit.

An enlarged lymph node near a cancerous tumor is often suspected of also being cancerous. Cancer treatments vary and may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and other approaches.

Medications

In rare cases, certain medications can cause lymph nodes to swell. Among them are:

• ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, and vasodilators to treat high blood pressure
• anticonvulsant drugs, including phenytoin and primidone
• anti-malarial drugs, including quinidine
• uric acid reducers, like allopurinol

Switching medications or adjusting doses may be enough to reduce side effects like lymph node enlargement.

As your body starts to successfully fight off the infection, the swelling in your lymph nodes should start to diminish.

With a typical bacterial infection, for example, a course of antibiotics should start to relieve lymph node swelling and other symptoms within a few days. A stubborn viral infection could take longer.

If your other symptoms are subsiding, but your lymph nodes remain swollen, tell a health professional. You may need additional treatment or a follow-up exam to see if there are other reasons your lymph nodes are still enlarged.

Because swollen lymph nodes are more often signs of an infection, rather than cancer, you may be inclined to dismiss swelling as a temporary symptom that’ll subside as you get over your infection. In many cases, that’s exactly what will happen.

If you’re unsure whether to seek a medical evaluation for swollen lymph nodes, these signs may be reasons to see a medical professional:

• One or more lymph nodes are swollen for no obvious reason.
• The swelling has lasted or gotten worse over a period of 2 or more weeks.
• The affected node feels hard and immovable when you press on it.
• The swollen lymph nodes aren’t painful.
• You have swollen lymph nodes in separate areas, like the armpit and groin.
• You have other symptoms, like:
  • redness or fluid oozing around the node
  • fever
  • cough
  • night sweats
  • unexplained weight loss
  • pain elsewhere in your body

Swollen lymph nodes typically get better once your illness has been treated or goes away on its own. To support your immune system as it responds to the infection or illness, you can rest and drink plenty of fluids. If you are prescribed medication, be sure to take it according to the prescribing doctor’s instructions.

If you feel discomfort or pain due to your swollen lymph node, you can try applying a warm compress to ease discomfort. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), may also help reduce pain.

If your pain gets worse or does not resolve, you may need to consult a doctor for additional treatment or testing.

Most of the time, a swollen lymph node means your body’s immune system is doing its job in responding to an infection or other health problem. That also means you’re dealing with an illness or injury that may require treatment.

If you’re battling a cold, for instance, and you notice slight swelling of a lymph node in your armpit, pay attention to it for a few days and see if the swelling goes down when you start feeling better.

Unexplained swelling or the presence of other serious symptoms should prompt a visit with a health professional for a more complete evaluation.

Enlarged Axillary Lymph Nodes | Breast Cancer 101

Enlarged axillary lymph nodes can be a symptom of a serious medical condition, including breast cancer. If you, or a loved one, notice swelling and/or feel a solid mass in the armpit area please contact a medical professional.

The Lymphatic System

The human circulatory system comprises the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems, two networks that play complementary roles. As you may remember from high school biology, the cardiovascular system consists of arteries and veins. Arteries transfer oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to cells, while veins return blood carrying carbon dioxide back to the lungs.

The lymphatic system, a nearly parallel structure, plays a critical role in the body’s immune system. It moves lymph between tissue and the bloodstream via lymph ducts, lymph nodes, lymph vessels, and organs, including adenoids, the spleen, the thymus, and tonsils.

• Lymph: a clear-to-white fluid made up of white blood cells that attack bacteria found in the bloodstream. Lymph can also be found in the intestines (chyle), where they hold proteins and fats.
• Lymph Nodes (Lymph Glands): are found throughout the human body (behind breast tissue, arm tissue, leg tissue, etc.) and are linked together through lymphatic vessels. Lymph nodes screen and/or remove foreign substances (for example, substances secreted from bacteria, called antigens).

If the lymph nodes detect an unrecognizable substance they will create an antibody, which flows in blood circulation to target and destroy the foreign material in cells throughout the body.

Swollen lymph nodes indicate they are producing infection-fighting white blood cells to combat a recognized threat to the body. The threat can range from relatively trivial issues like a cold or throat infection to more serious conditions like cancer. Understanding the health of the lymphatic system is crucial in diagnosing, prognosticating, and treating cancer tumors.

Enlarged Axillary Lymph Nodes

The axillary (armpit) lymph nodes filter and/or trap lymph from the arm, chest wall, and breast. It is often challenging to feel normal axillary lymph nodes. Not all enlarged axillary lymph nodes feel the same, and it is essential to note that enlarged axillary lymph nodes are not necessarily a sign of cancer. However, we strongly advise you to consult with a medical provider if you are concerned about enlarged axillary lymph nodes.

Enlarged axillary lymph nodes may stem from various causes. If a patient does not have cancer, some local, non-cancerous causes of enlarged axillary lymph nodes include:

• An injury to the armpit, arm or hand (almost always non-cancerous).
• Localized infection or hydradenitits.
• Brucellois (also known as Undulant fever, Malta fever and/or Mediterranean fever): a bacteria disease picked up from contact with dogs, cows, goats, pigs or other mammals. Brucellois can be contracted consuming unpasteurized dairy products.
• Cat Scratch Disease: cats infected with bartonellahenselae can transfer the bacteria to humans by piercing their skin (bite or scratch). The illness may result in fatigue, a fever, headache(s) and a loss of appetite. Most of the time the body can expunge the infection without medical treatment.
• Silicone breast implants: a reaction by the lymphatic system to the placement of a foreign substance (including the small possibility of a silicone leak).

Systematic, non-cancerous causes of enlarged axillary lymph nodes include:

• Viral infections: mononucleosis, chicken pox, measles, HIV/AIDS and others.
• Bacterial: tuberculosis, etc.
• Fungal.
• Temporary side effects from a vaccination.

Enlarged axillary lymph nodes can be a symptom of the following local or metastasized (systematic) cancer maladies:

• A tumor in or near the axillary lymph node.
• Leukemia.
• Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
• Melanoma.

Enlarged Axillary Lymph Nodes and Breast Cancer

Approximately 75 percent of lymph found in the breasts drains into the axillary lymph nodes. As such, detecting enlarged axillary lymph nodes, especially those that are hard to the touch, plays a crucial role in diagnosing and staging breast cancer.

Not all breast cancer cases result in enlarged axillary lymph nodes. However, the presence of enlarged axillary lymph nodes strongly indicates that breast cancer may be at a more advanced stage. Doctors consider three central determinants when evaluating the stage of a breast cancer tumor: the detection of cancer in the lymph nodes, the size of the breast cancer tumor, and whether it has spread to other areas of the body.

There are five categories to describe the involvement of breast cancer in the axillary lymph nodes:

• NX: lymph nodes cannot be clinically evaluated.
• N0: no identifiable cancer in the axillary lymph nodes.
• N1: cancer is present in the axillary lymph nodes. However, it is not attached to the chest wall or between different axillary lymph nodes.
• N2: cancer is identified in the axillary lymph nodes. The cancer has linked between different axillary lymph nodes and/or the chest wall.
• N3: in addition to N2, cancer has spread above and below the collarbone.

To determine the axillary lymph node status, a sentinel node biopsy may be performed. This surgical technique involves injecting a radioactive blue dye into the site of the breast cancer tumor, helping surgeons identify the closest lymph nodes to the cancer site.

• The axillary lymph nodes nearest to the breast cancer site are removed and biopsied for cancer.
• If cancer is not detected the remaining axillary lymph nodes are not removed.
• If cancer is detected additional axillary lymph nodes are removed and biopsied.

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Inflammation of the lymph nodes under the arm: causes and treatment

The lymphatic system is the most important protective barrier for foreign microorganisms, bacteria, atypical cells. Underarm lymph nodes belong to the largest system. In total, there are about 500 of these glands in the body, ranging in size from 0.5-50 mm. Lymphocytes – white bodies, are part of human blood, perform the task of filtering the circulatory system. If there are too many bacteria, viruses, then the lymphocytes cannot cope and begin active reproduction. With this process, the lymph nodes harden, increase in diameter, pain and redness appear. In medicine, this concept is called – lymphadenitis. Inflamed lymph nodes under the armpit – a body signal for help.

The editors of estet-portal.com will tell about the causes, signs, and methods of treating such inflammations.

• Variety of causes of swollen lymph nodes under the arm
• How to treat inflamed axillary lymph nodes
• Important facts about inflammation lymph nodes

Variety of causes of swollen lymph nodes under the arm

All the glands of the lymphatic system are divided into specific groups throughout the body. Each division is responsible for a closely related part of the body. It is not difficult to diagnose an enlarged lymph node, you can feel it yourself, redness around the gland is possible. The occurrence of pain with pressure indicates an acute course of infection. Usually accompanied by fever, general weakness, spasms of the vessels of the head.

The human lymphatic system: guarding the whole organism

Purulent lymphadenitis is a disease that cannot be treated on its own. A sharp jump in temperature, chills, acute pain in the armpit are symptoms of the onset of a purulent process. You should immediately consult a doctor to avoid the occurrence of sepsis.

There are 3 causes of swollen lymph nodes under the arm:

1. Diseases of the immune system – lupus erythematosus, lymphadenopathy, arthritis, reactions to drugs and foreign proteins.

2. Infectious processes – millions of microorganisms multiply in purulent wounds and get into the lymph. For example, you cut, scratched your hand or finger, did not treat the wound, and the inflammation process began. Elbow and axillary lymph nodes launch active protection. But the body needs support in the form of treatment, over time, inflamed glands become the object of the disease.

Cat-scratch fever – most common in children. When scratching the arms and hands received from a cat, the lymph nodes under the arm become inflamed.

ARVI entails an increase in the nodes of the lymphatic system, which does not carry anything serious. But you need to see a doctor. Such a reaction is an alarming sign about such diseases – tuberculosis, syphilis, HIV, mononucleosis.

3. Oncological diseases – enlarged nodes do not cause pain, often the patient does not pay attention to them, thereby triggering the stage of the disease. Lymphosarcoma – malignant cells colonize directly the lymph node. Hodgkin’s disease – damage to the lymphatic system by cancer cells. If detected at an early stage, a full recovery is possible. For women, an increase in such nodes is a dangerous risk of developing breast cancer.

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Watch for enlarged glands under the armpits, if after a couple of days they become smaller, then there is no reason for concern, the body itself has overcome the infection. But if you observe the occurrence of additional symptoms with an increase in body temperature, contact your doctor immediately.

Dermatologists have found that solid deodorants are to blame for the increase in knots in the armpits. Complications of such inflammations are tumors. Antiperspirant constantly accumulates bacteria that penetrate into the wounded areas of the skin, for example, if you cut yourself a little while shaving. Solid deodorants clog the skin pores, and this is fraught with inflammation and the onset of a purulent process. Opt for sprays.

What a person’s armpits can say about health: 4 warning signs

How to treat inflamed axillary lymph nodes

In most cases, such symptoms are signs of mild infections, colds and SARS. If you do not know who to contact in this case, then go to the family doctor or therapist. He will refer you for blood and urine tests. He will prescribe treatment, if necessary, or redirect to narrow specialists.

Self-medication is not recommended. For each case there is an individual treatment, and what helps with one, will hurt with another. Most likely, you will be prescribed immunostimulants, vitamin complex, antibiotics.
Home use products are used as an additional help or as a preventive measure. Here are a few recipes:

• Pour 1 tablespoon of dried marigold into 300 g of boiling water, let it warm for several hours, take on an empty stomach 30 ml five times a day, course – 7 days;

• 1 tablespoon of tansy and calendula, pour 500 ml of boiled water at room temperature, hold for 4 hours and strain, take orally half an hour before meals, three times a day, course – 10 days;

• Echinacea tincture works well, buy it at the pharmacy and drink a teaspoon 3 times a day.
Eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals – vegetables, fruits, fiber. Try to exercise, walk more outdoors. So you strengthen the immune system, and therefore reduce the risk of diseases.

Swollen cervical lymph nodes: making a correct diagnosis

Important facts about swollen lymph nodes

Do not heat or manipulate the swollen node. First get rid of the cause that caused this symptom. If a runny nose occurs, it should be treated immediately, because. this is one of the indicators of interruption in the work of the lymph. It gets rid of toxins through the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose before entering the bloodstream.

The work of cleansing the body of toxins is performed by the liver. This process starts at night, so cut down on your nighttime food intake so you don’t make it harder to clear out harmful substances. Plentiful warm drinks, such as tea with currant or raspberry leaves, will help improve the functioning of the lymphatic system.

Inflamed lymph nodes under the arm – a signal for you that the body has started the process of fighting the “enemy”. Do not disregard this symptom, sometimes seeking help in time means saving your life.

Inflamed lymph node in the neck: possible causes and dangers

Watch us on YouTube:

4 causes of swollen lymph nodes. When to start worrying?

Few people pay attention to the lymph nodes, which in each person serve as “guard posts” of infection.

Protective barrier

Lymphadenopathy, activation of the lymph nodes is the hallmark of a variety of diseases. Sometimes a doctor, observing this symptom, cannot explain the cause of the disease without special studies.

Swelling of the lymph nodes occurs with rubella, measles, mononucleosis, toxoplasmosis, tuberculosis. Adenovirus infections can also cause it.

Lymph nodes usually become inflamed close to the site of infection. If the throat hurts, then the cervical and submandibular lymph nodes increase, if there was a wound and an abscess on the leg – inguinal, if on the arm – axillary. Why is this happening? The fact is that when pathogens enter the lymphatic system, the nodes begin to act as a border outpost. They delay the infection, preventing its spread. Increases the production of lymphocytes, protective cells of the body, which accumulate in these areas of the lymphatic system. So, in fact, an increase in lymph nodes indicates that the process of natural defense of the body has begun. But at the same time, such an alarm requires a visit to a doctor.

As a rule, overweight, friable people tend to enlarge the lymph nodes. Sometimes the swelling of the nodes they pass, without affecting the state of the body. It is necessary to sound the alarm if the increase lasts too long, and the knot is painful and large enough – for example, the size of a walnut. You need to contact the specialists, and they will find out the cause of the infection.

Reasons for alarm

› First reason. The cat scratched. Many people have cats in their apartments, and not all of them are “loyal” to their owners. If a pet scratches the hand properly, the infection from the cat’s claws can get into the lymph, and the lymph node begins to react to it. Cat-scratch disease, or benign lymphoreticulosis, develops.

Cats themselves do not get sick, they only carry the infection on their paws. But the damage it inflicts can progress and manifest itself in the form of pain (from mild to very sensitive), as well as swelling near the damaged area. For example, if the arm is injured in the elbow area, then the swelling will be under the armpit. A slight temperature may rise – 37–37.5 degrees. If the body does not cope with the infection, other lymph nodes are involved – the pharynx, and then a sore throat may begin, the liver and spleen also react. If the scratch does not heal for a long time, pus appears, a slight seal.

Another “feline” infection – toxoplasmosis – enters the body through the digestive tract. At the same time, the lymph nodes increase, the temperature is low, weakness, sometimes they swell, the eyes are watery. This infection is especially dangerous for pregnant women. If someone from the family is affected by this infection, the expectant mother should exclude all contact with the sick and with the infected animal. This infection can adversely affect the condition of the child.

Safety measures:

• To avoid infection, play with cats carefully.

• If scratched, be sure to treat the wound with iodine, watch until it heals.

• When the infection nevertheless began to spread, the lymph nodes were swollen, you should contact a specialist who will definitely help, this disease is curable.

› The second reason. They rubbed their leg. A banal and very common cause of an enlarged lymph node is abrasion on the leg from tight shoes that have not been treated properly with antiseptic agents. It happens that the wound has already healed, and everyone managed to forget that it was – most people do not pay attention to what does not hurt, does not bother.

But sometimes the infection still gets into the lymph and imperceptibly “chooses” some nearby lymph node. In such cases, the body sometimes copes on its own, and the swelling disappears after a while. However, it happens that the enlargement of the lymph node is accompanied by a purulent process, and then the help of a surgeon is required. The inflamed lymph node must be opened and cleaned, otherwise it can lead to infection.

Safety precautions:

• Wear shoes that fit your feet, never go on a long journey in new shoes – prefer well-worn and comfortable ones.

• If a wound has formed on the leg, treat it with a bactericidal ointment and only then cover it with a band-aid.

• If the leg does not heal for a long time, other discomfort has been added, consult a doctor.

› The third reason. Furuncles. Most often they signal hormonal surges. With increased sweating, they can also appear in the armpits. Sometimes it looks like dense swelling, over which the skin turns red, sometimes it even hurts to raise your hand. This is hydradenitis. Treating it yourself by tying aloe leaves or dressings with medicinal ointments does not make sense. Your best bet is to go see a surgeon.

Precautions:

• The skin where boils often appear should be wiped with salicylic alcohol or special lotions. In no case should you touch, pierce them! It is better to entrust the treatment to a dermatologist: he will prescribe ointments and rubbing that will reduce these unpleasant phenomena.

• If you have excessive sweating, you need to carefully monitor the cleanliness of the body: wash twice a day in the shower with soap or gel to cleanse the body of sweat and skin secretions. Linen should also be changed daily, and it is desirable that it be cotton.

› Fourth reason.