What does it mean if there is a lump under the armpit toward the back, and what should I do?
May 15, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wan
Introduction
A lump in the armpit extending toward the back may be caused by trauma, lipoma, or sebaceous cyst. In addition, it could also result from conditions such as malignant melanoma, cutaneous lymphoma, fibroma, or hemangioma. Patients experiencing the above symptoms are advised to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital and subsequently choose appropriate treatment to improve their condition.
A lump in the armpit area closer to the back may be caused by trauma, lipoma, sebaceous cyst, or other factors. The specific causes are analyzed as follows:
1. Trauma
The skin in and around the armpit is relatively delicate and contains less subcutaneous fat. When subjected to external force, local soft tissues may become damaged, leading to increased tissue fluid within the area, which can result in a lump near the back side of the armpit. Typically, the lump gradually disappears as the injury heals.
2. Lipoma
Lipoma is a type of soft tissue tumor; its exact cause remains unclear but may be related to inflammatory stimulation. If the local area is affected by inflammation, inflammatory mediators might induce degeneration of connective tissue and disrupt fat metabolism, causing abnormal proliferation of normal cells and forming a lipoma, resulting in this symptom. Small lipomas usually require no treatment. However, larger ones can be surgically removed at a hospital.
3. Sebaceous Cyst
If personal hygiene is neglected, excessive oil may accumulate on the local skin. When oil becomes trapped inside the ducts, the contents can expand and form a sebaceous cyst, leading to the aforementioned condition. Sebaceous cysts typically grow slowly and do not cause noticeable symptoms. They can be removed under local anesthesia.
In addition, such lumps could also be caused by other conditions including malignant melanoma, cutaneous lymphoma, fibroma, hemangioma, and others. Patients experiencing the above symptoms should promptly visit a hospital for evaluation and receive appropriate treatment accordingly.
