A hard lump under the armpit after childbirth

After childbirth, a hard lump under the armpit may be caused by physiological factors and can be relieved with warm compresses. It could also result from pathological conditions such as enlarged accessory breast tissue or sebaceous cysts, which may require postpartum care or surgical intervention. The specific analysis is as follows:

I. Physiological Factors

Milk contains high levels of nutrients such as proteins and calcium. If milk becomes stagnant, these substances may form deposits, leading to the development of a hard lump under the armpit. This condition can be alleviated with warm compresses.

II. Pathological Factors

1. Enlarged Accessory Breast Tissue

Hormonal changes after childbirth can cause accessory breast tissue to enlarge, resulting in a hard lump under the armpit. This is usually not a cause for concern; symptoms typically improve with proper postpartum care.

2. Sebaceous Cyst

Poor local hygiene after childbirth may obstruct skin secretions, leading to retention cysts. Some patients may develop hard lumps under the armpit, which may require surgical treatment.

In addition to the above causes, hard lumps under the armpit after childbirth could also be due to enlarged axillary lymph nodes, puerperal mastitis, or even breast cancer. Given the variety of possible causes, individuals should promptly visit a dermatologist or relevant specialist at a hospital for evaluation and appropriate medical guidance to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.