Causes of Enlarged Axillary Lymph Nodes
Disease description:
I unexpectedly discovered that my axillary lymph nodes are swollen. I would like to ask the doctor, what are the causes of axillary lymph node swelling?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. He Haochen
The causes of axillary lymphadenopathy are diverse, mainly including:
1. Infectious factors: Infections caused by microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi—for example, localized infections like mastitis and folliculitis, or systemic infections such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)—can all lead to lymph node enlargement, usually accompanied by pain.
2. Rheumatic and immunological diseases: Conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and adult-onset Still's disease can cause lymphadenopathy in multiple body regions, including the axilla.
3. Malignant tumors: Lymphatic metastasis of malignant tumors, such as breast cancer, is a common cause of axillary lymphadenopathy. These enlarged nodes are typically painless, firm, and tend to adhere to surrounding tissues.
4. Hematologic disorders: Diseases such as lymphoma and leukemia may also lead to axillary lymphadenopathy.
5. Reactive hyperplasia: Certain nonspecific reactions, such as local responses following vaccination, can also cause axillary lymph node enlargement.
