Swollen Lymph Nodes in Armpit: Pictures, Causes, and Warning Signs

Pictures of Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Armpit

Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit can be a symptom of different medical conditions. Understanding what enlarged armpit lymph nodes look like can help identify the potential cause and determine if a doctor should be consulted.

What are Lymph Nodes?

Lymph nodes are small glands that filter lymph fluid and help fight infection. There are hundreds located throughout the body. Lymph nodes under the arm drain fluid from the breasts, arms and upper body. When they become enlarged, it signals they are working hard to filter out viruses, bacteria or cancer cells.

Swollen lymph glands in the armpit often occur when nodes are reacting to nearby infection or inflammation. Enlarged nodes feel like soft, smooth lumps under the skin. They may be tender and sore when touched.

Causes of Swollen Armpit Lymph Nodes

Some common causes of swollen underarm lymph nodes include:

• Infections of the breast, arm or hand like mastitis or cellulitis
• Skin infections or abscess in the armpit
• Viruses like cold, flu, or mononucleosis
• Bacterial infections including streptococcus or tuberculosis
• Cancer, either breast cancer or lymphoma
• Immune or autoimmune disorders
• Injury or trauma to the arm or breast area

In most cases, the swollen nodes are reacting to an infection and fighting it off. Once the virus or bacteria is cleared, the lymph nodes will typically shrink and return to normal size. However, persistent enlarged nodes could indicate a more serious issue like cancer.

Swollen Nodes and Breast Cancer

For women, swollen armpit glands are often a warning sign of breast cancer. Breast cancer cells can spread to nearby lymph nodes located under the arm and in the armpit region. When this happens, the nodes enlarge as they fill with cancer cells.

Swollen nodes may be the first symptom that leads to a breast cancer diagnosis. Enlarged lymph glands in the armpit on one side of the body could signal cancer in the breast on the same side. The swollen nodes feel round, firm, and usually don't hurt.

An examination of the lymph nodes under the arm is an important part of breast cancer screening and staging. A doctor will check for enlarged glands and may order tests like an ultrasound or biopsy. Finding cancer in the lymph nodes helps determine prognosis and the appropriate treatment.

What Swollen Lymph Nodes Look Like

Here are pictures of swollen lymph nodes in the armpit to help identify them:

Mildly Enlarged Lymph Node

This shows an armpit with a mildly enlarged lymph node. It appears as a soft lump under the skin. Mild swelling may not be visible but can be felt as a smooth, movable mass in the armpit. This amount of enlargement is often due to a minor infection or inflammation that resolves on its own.

Moderate Lymph Node Swelling

This armpit has a moderately enlarged lymph node swollen to around 2-3 cm across. Moderate enlargement appears as a distinct lump under the armpit skin. It is still able to move around easily. At this stage, the swelling is more pronounced and usually quite tender. An examination by a doctor would be recommended.

Severely Swollen Lymph Node

This picture shows an armpit with a severely enlarged lymph node greater than 4 cm (1.5 inches) across. The large, swollen gland is immobile and fixed in place. Severe node enlargement is very concerning and requires prompt medical evaluation to determine the cause. It may indicate an advanced stage of cancer.

Symptoms Associated with Swollen Armpit Lymph Nodes

Aside from the visible lump and possible tenderness, other symptoms may accompany swollen underarm glands. These can provide clues to the cause.

Infection

Viral or bacterial infections that cause swollen armpit nodes are associated with these symptoms:

• Fever and chills
• Fatigue or malaise
• Sore throat or cough
• Nasal congestion
• Aches and pains
• Night sweats

Flu-like illness points to swollen nodes reacting to infection. Several lymph nodes in clusters might be enlarged on both sides. Once the infection clears, the nodes shrink back down.

Breast Cancer

Warning signs of breast cancer along with armpit lymph node swelling may include:

• Lump or mass in the breast
• Nipple discharge
• Skin changes like dimpling or puckering
• Redness or thickening of the breast skin
• Tenderness or pain in the breast

Swollen nodes due to breast cancer are often only on the same side as the affected breast. They may appear before the breast tumor is discovered. Any armpit nodes that remain persistently enlarged should be evaluated for cancer.

No Other Symptoms

In some cases, enlarged armpit lymph nodes may not be accompanied by any other symptoms. There is no fever, fatigue, or localized pain. This makes identifying the cause more challenging. Unexplained lymphadenopathy should always be examined by a doctor.

When to See a Doctor

Consult a doctor promptly if you notice any of the following warning signs related to swollen underarm lymph nodes:

• Nodes are enlarging steadily over a period of weeks
• No decrease in size even after several weeks
• Severe pain or tenderness in the armpit lymph nodes
• Nodes feel very hard or fixed in place
• Swollen nodes combined with unexplained weight loss
• Persistent fever, drenching sweats, or unexplained itching
• Swollen nodes only on one side of the body

Make an appointment right away if armpit lymph nodes remain enlarged longer than 3-4 weeks. Seek emergency care for suddenly enlarged nodes accompanied by difficulty breathing or swallowing. Timely evaluation is key, as prolonged swelling can be a red flag for conditions like lymphoma, HIV, tuberculosis, or metastatic cancer.

Diagnosing the Cause of Enlarged Lymph Nodes

If armpit lymph nodes are swollen, a doctor will perform an examination and ask about symptoms. Diagnostic tests may include:

• Blood tests - Checks for infection or markers of autoimmune disease
• Imaging - CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound to visualize internal lymph nodes
• Biopsy - Removing lymph node cells to test for cancer
• Culture - Testing node fluid for bacterial or fungal infection

By determining if swollen nodes are reactive or malignant, doctors can find the root cause and create an appropriate treatment plan. Temporary enlargement is common and usually not serious, but persistent swelling requires thorough investigation.

Treating Swollen Underarm Lymph Nodes

The treatment approach depends on the underlying cause of the swollen armpit lymph nodes:

• Infection - Antibiotics or antivirals to clear bacteria or viruses
• Inflammation - Anti-inflammatory medication and rest
• Cancer - Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy
• Injury - Rest, ice, compression to help healing

If an infection triggered the node swelling, it will go down as the infection resolves. Cancerous nodes may need to be surgically removed along with treatment to destroy cancer cells. Some enlarged nodes may only require monitoring if they start shrinking and are not problematic.

Home Remedies for Swollen Nodes

Some home treatments may help reduce discomfort and swelling of enlarged armpit glands temporarily. However, they should not replace medical care if lymphadenopathy persists or worsens.

• Warm compresses applied to the armpit
• Over-the-counter pain medication
• Gentle lymph massage moving up the arm
• Resting the affected arm to avoid irritation
• Drinking extra fluids to improve lymph flow

If at-home measures provide no improvement, it’s essential to follow up with a doctor. Though usually harmless, prolonged enlarged armpit nodes should always be evaluated.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.