Is pain from a small lump under the armpit a tumor?

A painful lump under the armpit may be a tumor, or it could be caused by conditions such as folliculitis or lymphadenitis.

1. Fibroma

Fibroma is a benign tumor of connective tissue, typically presenting as a painless lump under the armpit. It can occur in any part of the body, including the armpit. If diagnosed as benign and there's no risk of malignant transformation, treatment may not be necessary. However, if significant pain or discomfort occurs, surgical removal can be considered.

2. Folliculitis

The skin in the armpit area is highly developed, with abundant hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands. Excessive sweating can irritate the skin, causing itching and frequent scratching or friction, which may lead to skin damage and result in folliculitis. Localized folliculitis appears as small, inflamed red papules resembling tiny lumps, often accompanied by noticeable pain. Patients should bathe regularly, change their undergarments frequently, keep the area clean and dry, and apply topical antibiotics to reduce the lumps and relieve pain.

3. Lymphadenitis

A lump deeper beneath the skin might indicate inflammation of the axillary lymph nodes. This usually occurs when an infection in a nearby area spreads, causing infectious inflammation in the lymph nodes of the armpit, leading to symptoms such as swollen, painful lymph nodes.

In addition, other conditions such as epidermoid cysts or secondary lymphedema may also cause similar symptoms. If pain from an armpit lump persists or fails to improve, prompt medical evaluation is recommended. Furthermore, maintaining good personal hygiene in daily life is important, and excessive use of soap or shower gels should be avoided.