A lump or a swelling near your breasts can be alarming. An armpit lump, for instance, can be indicative of breast cancer, which is one of the most common cancers in women and occurs when cells in the breasts start to grow uncontrollably, leading to a tumour.
While getting a lump examined is the best way to confirm your diagnosis, it is important to know that not all lumps under the arm are cancerous. In fact, of all breast lumps, around 60–80% are benign, according to research published in the book Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations, 3rd edition.
So what else can armpit lumps mean, and how can we distinguish them from breast cancer lumps? Here’s your guide.
Can Armpit Lumps Be Cancerous?
Armpit lumps can be a sign of cancer. But it is mostly rare and can be detected through a proper physical examination or certain tests.
Dr Vikranth Mummaneni, Consultant Surgical Oncologist at CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, says that it's essential to address any unusual changes in or around your breasts and discuss them with your healthcare provider promptly.
Here's some guidance on your questions:
Consult a healthcare professional: It's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis. They may conduct a physical examination and possibly order further tests.
Biopsy: If the lump is suspicious, a biopsy may be performed. This involves removing a small sample of tissue from the lump and examining it under a microscope to determine if it's cancerous.
Other Possible Causes Of Armpit Lumps
Armpit lumps can be caused by many other possible causes, including:
Swollen lymph nodes: Lymph nodes in the armpit can become swollen due to infections or other medical conditions. Infections such as a cold or flu, skin infections, or even injuries to the arm or breast can cause lymph nodes to swell.
Hidradenitis suppurativa: This is a chronic skin condition that can cause lumps, abscesses, and scarring in areas such as the armpits, groin, and buttocks.
Cysts: Cysts are sac-like structures that can develop in the skin or within the body. They can sometimes occur in the armpit area.
Lipomas: Lipomas are noncancerous fatty lumps that can develop anywhere on the body, including the armpits.
Fibroadenomas: These are noncancerous breast tumours that can sometimes be felt in the armpit area.
Also Read: Not Every Lump In Your Breasts Is Cancerous, Expert Explains
How To Know If An Armpit Lump Is Cancerous Or Not?
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Sajjan Rajpurohit, Senior Director - Oncology, BLK Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi, says that any new lump in any part of the body should not be overlooked.
Describing a breast cancer lump, he says it can feel like a hard mass that's different from the surrounding tissue; it may feel firm or round and can occur anywhere in the breast.
Moreover, a breast cancer lump is mostly painless.
On the contrary, a benign armpit lump may often be accompanied by pain, which can indicate a swollen lymph node. Additionally, as opposed to a breast cancer lump that feels firm and round, a cyst, infection, or fatty growth may feel soft to the touch.
A self-breast exam is an effective way to detect lumps in the breast. The doctor says you can feel the lump by gently pressing your fingers against your skin, or you can also get the necessary tests to determine the cause of the lump.
Conclusion
An armpit lump does not necessarily mean cancer. It can be caused by various other conditions, such as swollen lymph nodes, cysts, lipomas, and fibroadenomas. The best way to find out what you have is by getting the necessary screening tests and examinations. This includes imaging tests, such as ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI, followed by a biopsy that involves obtaining a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope. This is the most definitive way to confirm whether the lump is cancerous or not. However, in most cases, armpit lumps are benign, and if you have any concerns, speaking with a healthcare provider can help tremendously.