Swollen Lymph Nodes In Armpit: An Overview

Introduction

The lymphatic system in the body is responsible for filtering fluids in the body and removing toxic waste. Lymph nodes are part of this lymphatic system and are present throughout the body, including the armpit. Enlargement of a lymph node is a typical symptom of an immune system response to an infection or illness. Lymph nodes comprise a portion of the immune system and are located in the neck, armpit, chest, abdomen, and groin. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures. Their responsibility is to filter lymph fluid and trap viruses, bacteria, and other foreign substances so that they do not cause infections. When lymph nodes become swollen, it is usually a sign that they are working to fight off an infection or other illness. Swelling in lymph nodes resolves on its own. Swollen lymph nodes mean the body is fighting off an infection. A swollen Lymph node can be painful or tender to touch.

What Are the Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes?

1. Infections:

Infections caused by viruses, bacteria, and fungi can all lead to lymph node swelling.

Viral Causes:

• Varicella zoster virus, also known as chickenpox virus.

• Viruses causing measles, a highly contagious disease caused by single-stranded, enveloped RNA virus.

• Mumps is a viral infection affecting the salivary glands.

• Rubella is a distinctive contagious viral infection causing a red rash.

• HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).

• Other viral infections causing swelling of lymph nodes are influenza virus and infection mononucleosis (glandular fever).

Bacterial Causes:

• Cellulitis is a serious type of bacterial skin infection.

• Lyme Disease is a tick infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi.

• Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.

• Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum; it is a sexually transmitted disease.

• Tuberculosis is a potentially serious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Breast Tissue Infections: An example is mastitis.

2. Cancer:

In rare cases, swollen lymph nodes in the armpit can also indicate cancer. Lymphoma (cancer that begins in cells of the lymph system), including Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, lymphoma of the skin, breast cancer, and other types of cancer, can cause swollen lymph nodes.

3. Inflammation:

Certain inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis (a condition where the body's immune system attacks the joint lining) or lupus (an autoimmune disease causing the body to attack its own tissue), can also cause lymph nodes to swell, causing inflammation.

4. Injury:

A cut or injury to the arm or breast can cause the lymph nodes in the armpit to swell.

5. Allergies:

Certain allergies can also cause swelling in lymph nodes, for example, food allergies.

Note: There can be many causes of swollen lymph nodes, but it is worth remembering that not every cause is related to cancer.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Lymph Node Swelling?

In addition to the swelling, other symptoms are:

• Pain or tenderness in the affected area

• Redness or warmth around the swollen lymph node

• Fever or chills.

• Fatigue or malaise.

• Night sweats.

• Body aches.

• Cough, sore throat, runny nose.

• Headaches.

• Associated swelling in the liver, spleen, or both (especially in the case of Infectious mononucleosis infection).

• Hardening of skin and fluid collection under the skin (seen in cellulitis).

• Joint or muscle pain.

• Unintentional weight loss.

• Other associated symptoms are pus discharge, upper respiratory tract infections, and swollen lymph nodes in the chest, neck, and other parts of the body.

How to Diagnose Swollen Lymph Nodes?

If a swollen lymph node in the armpit is suspected, it is important to see a healthcare professional for an evaluation. The doctor may perform a physical exam and order blood tests or imaging tests to determine the underlying cause of the swelling. Diagnostic evaluation can also aid. A biopsy can also be advised in rare cases.

What Are the Treatment Options for Swollen Lymph Nodes?

Most of the lymph node swelling will go away on its own within one to two weeks. If it does not subside, it is better to visit a doctor. The treatment for swollen lymph nodes in the armpit will vary depending on the underlying cause. Swelling can be caused by an infection; if that is the cause, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics or antiviral medication. The dosage has to be followed as per the doctor's advice, and the course has to be completed. In a few cases, the doctor will administer the antibiotics through IV (intravenous), and the affected person will be kept in the hospital overnight. If the swelling is caused by an autoimmune disease, treatment may involve anti-inflammatory medications or immunosuppressants. If cancer is suspected, a biopsy of the affected lymph node will be necessary to determine whether cancer is the cause of the swelling or not. If cancer is diagnosed, the treatment plan will consist of surgical excision, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments.

Is There Any Home Care to Manage Swollen Lymph Nodes?

It is always best if the person visits the health care professional or doctor, as the doctor might be able to give the correct diagnosis and treatment plan as per the underlying diseases.

At-home care can include warm compress to reduce pain and over-the-counter medications.

Warm compresses - In this, warm or hot water is run over on a washcloth and then wired to make it dry before placing it on the swollen lymph node to reduce the swelling. Also, over-the-counter medication which includes painkiller drugs can help to reduce the pain. Antibiotics will also be necessary to address the infection (antibiotics are not provided without a prescription).

When to Consult the Doctor?

Consult the doctor in the following circumstances:

• If the swelling does not go away on its own for a couple of weeks.

• If the swelling is hard and fixed to the surrounding tissues.

• If the swelling is not painful.

• If the swelling is getting bigger.

• Visit the doctor if there are symptoms of severe pain, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, persistent redness, and pain in other parts of the body.

Conclusion

Swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpit can be attributed to various causes, including infections, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. If a swollen lymph node in the armpit is suspected, it is important to see a healthcare professional or doctor for an accurate evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. Swollen lymph nodes may require further testing or treatment, depending on the underlying condition. Most cases of swollen lymph nodes in the armpit can be effectively managed by a correct diagnosis and treatment.