What are the causes of swollen lymph nodes in the armpit in women?
Sep 13, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Feng
Introduction
Enlarged axillary lymph nodes in women may be caused by conditions such as mammary hyperplasia, lymphadenitis, acute mastitis, lymphoma, or metastatic cancer to the lymph nodes. It is recommended to follow medical advice for symptomatic treatment. An imbalance in estrogen and progesterone levels can lead to excessive proliferation and incomplete regression of breast tissue, resulting in enlarged axillary lymph nodes. In such cases, patients may take medications such as Xiaoyao Pills or Ruhesanjie Tablets orally as directed by a physician.
Under normal circumstances, swollen axillary lymph nodes in women may be caused by conditions such as mammary gland hyperplasia, lymphadenitis, acute mastitis, lymphoma, or metastatic cancer to the lymph nodes. It is recommended to follow medical advice for symptomatic treatment. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:
1. Mammary Gland Hyperplasia
Imbalance between estrogen and progesterone levels can lead to excessive proliferation and incomplete recovery of breast tissue, resulting in swollen axillary lymph nodes. Patients may take medications such as Xiaoyao Pills or Ruhesanjie Tablets orally as directed by a physician to relieve symptoms of pain and swelling in the axillary lymph nodes.
2. Lymphadenitis
This is usually caused by infection spreading from the upper limb or chest wall to the axillary region, manifesting as swollen and painful axillary lymph nodes. Due to significant individual differences, appropriate medication should be selected under a doctor's guidance based on personal conditions, such as sodium penicillin for injection or roxithromycin capsules.
3. Acute Mastitis
Acute mastitis commonly occurs in women during the postpartum breastfeeding period. It is an acute suppurative infection of the breast, mostly caused by Staphylococcus aureus, with Streptococcus infection being less common. Swollen axillary lymph nodes may develop. Patients are advised to take medications such as sodium oxacillin for injection or cefradine capsules as prescribed to alleviate lymph node swelling.
4. Lymphoma
This is a malignant tumor of the hematologic system, characterized by multiple enlarged lymph nodes. Axillary lymph node enlargement may also occur. After diagnosis, comprehensive treatments including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery are required.
5. Metastatic Lymph Node Cancer
This is commonly due to breast cancer spreading to the axillary lymph nodes, presenting as enlarged, typically painless lymph nodes in the armpit. After confirmation, modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer is recommended.
If discomfort occurs, seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive targeted treatment under a doctor’s guidance to avoid delaying the condition.
