Armpit › Lumps in the armpit: when to see a GP
Lumps in the armpit: when to see a GP
Most armpit lumps are swollen lymph nodes reacting to a minor infection, and they go away. But some lumps need checking, so do not ignore one that stays.
Not medical advice. This page cannot diagnose a lump. If you have found one and are worried, speak to a GP.
Common causes
The NHS says swollen glands (lymph nodes) are often caused by common illnesses such as colds, tonsillitis and ear or throat infections, and sometimes by viral infections such as glandular fever. In the armpit, swollen glands can also follow an infection in the arm or hand. Spots, boils and ingrown hairs, particularly after shaving, can look like small lumps; see shaving rash and ingrown hairs. Recurring painful lumps in the armpit can also be a skin condition; see hidradenitis suppurativa. Other causes exist, and only a doctor can tell which applies to you.
Less common causes
The NHS says swollen glands are rarely caused by something more serious, such as cancer of the blood (leukaemia) or lymph system (lymphoma). The NHS also lists a lump in the breast or armpit among the things to see a GP about, because a breast lump can be a sign of something serious such as breast cancer. That is the reason a persistent lump should be checked, even though most are not serious.
What the NHS advises
Page: NHS "Lumps". It says to see a GP if you have a swelling on the side of your neck, armpit or groin that does not go down within 2 weeks. The NHS "Swollen glands" page gives further reasons to see a GP, including if the glands:
- Are getting bigger or have not gone down within 1 week
- Feel hard or do not move when you press them
- Come with night sweats or a very high temperature
- Appear with no other signs of illness or infection
The NHS also says swollen glands usually go down within 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the cause. Wording and thresholds can change, so check the linked NHS pages.
Urgent help
For swollen glands, the NHS says to ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if you find it very difficult to swallow or have difficulty breathing. If the area is painful, hot and swollen, see when to see a GP, which covers infections such as cellulitis. Call 999 in an emergency.
What to expect at the GP
The doctor will ask how long the lump has been there, whether it has changed, and about other symptoms. They will examine the lump and may examine nearby areas. What happens next depends on what they find. Write down when you first noticed it, whether it is painful, and any other symptoms, so you can describe it clearly.
What you can do meanwhile
- Do not squeeze or pierce a lump; the NHS warns that squeezing ingrown hairs can lead to infection, and the same caution is sensible for other lumps.
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids if you feel unwell, as the NHS advises for swollen glands.
- Painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can ease discomfort, according to the NHS; do not give aspirin to children under 16.
- Keep a note of the size and any changes.
Breast awareness
The NHS lists a lump in the breast or armpit as a reason to see a GP. If you notice any new change in your breasts, do not wait to see if it goes away on its own; contact your GP. Back to underarm health, or contact us with feedback.
Frequently asked questions
How long can a swollen gland last?
The NHS says swollen glands should go down within 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the cause. It advises seeing a GP if an armpit swelling has not gone down within 2 weeks.
Could an armpit lump be cancer?
The NHS says swollen glands are rarely caused by something serious, but a lump in the breast or armpit is a reason to see a GP.
Can shaving cause a lump?
Ingrown hairs and spots after shaving can feel like small lumps. A lump that persists should still be checked.