What does it mean to have enlarged lymph nodes in both armpits?

In general, bilateral axillary lymph node enlargement may be caused by puberty, menstrual cycle changes, infectious mononucleosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, lymphoma, and other factors, and requires different management approaches depending on the specific situation.

1. Puberty: During puberty, hormone levels change significantly. Increased secretion of hormones such as estrogen and testosterone can stimulate breast and lymphatic tissues in the axillary region. Bilateral axillary lymph nodes may undergo physiological enlargement, which typically does not require specific treatment.

2. Menstrual cycle changes: During the premenstrual phase and menstruation, levels of estrogen and progesterone fluctuate. These hormonal changes may cause breast tissue congestion and edema, and the axillary lymph nodes may receive and process increased amounts of lymph fluid, potentially leading to physiological lymph node enlargement. Women should maintain a positive mood and avoid emotional fluctuations during menstruation. As hormone levels normalize and breast tissue stabilizes, axillary lymph node enlargement typically resolves naturally.

3. Infectious mononucleosis: After infection, the virus replicates extensively within lymphocytes, activating the immune system and causing lymphocyte proliferation, including within the axillary lymph nodes. Patients typically develop generalized superficial lymphadenopathy. It is recommended to use medications such as acetaminophen tablets and acyclovir tablets under medical guidance to alleviate symptoms.

4. Systemic lupus erythematosus: In this condition, the immune system mistakenly identifies the body's own tissues as foreign antigens and attacks them, potentially causing lymphocyte proliferation throughout the body, including in the axillary lymph nodes, resulting in lymphadenopathy. It is recommended to use medications such as cyclophosphamide tablets and prednisone acetate tablets under medical guidance for treatment.

5. Lymphoma: When lymphoma involves the axillary lymph nodes, it typically presents as painless, progressive lymph node enlargement with a firm texture and possible fusion of nodes. It is recommended to use medications such as dacarbazine for injection and rituximab injection under medical guidance for treatment.

If bilateral axillary lymph node enlargement is detected, avoid squeezing the enlarged nodes to prevent inflammation spread or increased pain.