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What Causes Swollen Lymph Nodes In The Armpit?
Medically reviewed by Soma Mandal, MDMedically reviewed by Soma Mandal, MD
The lymph nodes are small glands that are part of your immune system. They contain white blood cells and are responsible for filtering out harmful substances in the lymph fluid. Swollen lymph nodes (medically known as lymphadenopathy) can happen for several reasons. Infections, health conditions, and certain medications can all cause this reaction.
Fortunately, many causes of swollen lymph nodes are treatable. Several infections can be treated with antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungals. Chronic health conditions like an autoimmune disorder or cancer are also treatable with medications or surgery. If your lymph nodes are swollen, meet with your healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan.
Bacterial InfectionsWhen bacteria enter the body, they can cause a bacterial infection. When the lymph nodes detect harmful substances like bacteria, they react and become swollen. Several bacterial infections may be causing your symptoms, including the ones below.
CellulitisCellulitis is the most common bacterial skin infection and occurs when bacteria like group A Streptococcus enter deeper layers of skin. This infection can cause your skin to look red, swollen, and pitted (like the peel of an orange). Other symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, a fever, and chills.
Antibiotics can help improve symptoms. You can lower your risk of cellulitis by washing your hands often and keeping wounds clean, dry, and covered.
Cat Scratch DiseaseCat scratch disease is a bacterial infection spread by cats that can occur when an infected cat licks a person's open wound or bites or scratches to break the skin. This infection causes discolored or swollen skin, raised sores (lesions) that may contain pus, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, a fever, poor appetite, and fatigue. The lymph nodes closest to the scratch may feel painful, tender, and swollen.
The cause of cat scratch disease is a type of bacteria called Bartonella henselae. Up to 30% of cats carry this type of bacteria, and infected cats often have no symptoms. To lower your risk of cat scratch disease, never let your cat lick an open wound. If you experience a cat bite or scratch, wash the area with soap and water immediately.
Lyme DiseaseLyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which spreads from an infected tick bite. People who live near the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Upper Midwest, and Pacific coast are at a higher risk of being exposed to infected ticks. Common symptoms of Lyme disease include rash, fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue.
When left untreated, Lyme disease may lead to heart, joint, and nervous system symptoms. These symptoms often start 3-30 days after a tick bite.
TrichomycosisTrichomycosis is a bacterial infection of the underarm hairs, which causes irritation and discomfort in the armpit. Common symptoms of trichomycosis often include more sweat and a foul odor in the armpit. You may also notice that your sweat is yellow, red, or black. The underarm hair usually becomes thicker and more coarse as well.
Trichomycosis is not contagious and can be treated with antibiotics and good hygiene.
SyphilisSyphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Symptoms of syphilis occur in stages. The first stage may cause sores or bumps on the penis, vagina, anus, rectum, lips, or mouth. As syphilis progresses, it may lead to swollen lymph nodes.
Syphilis is curable with antibiotics.
ToxoplasmosisToxoplasmosis is an infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii, which can spread by consuming undercooked, contaminated meat and shellfish. You might also develop this infection by drinking contaminated water and coming into contact with cat feces.
Most people exposed to toxoplasmosis do not develop symptoms because the immune system fights the infection. If you experience symptoms, you may have swollen lymph nodes and flu-like symptoms.
Early treatment is necessary. A severe infection can lead to permanent damage to the brain, eyes, and other organs.
Viral InfectionsLike bacteria, many viruses cause swollen lymph nodes. This happens when the immune system recognizes the virus and fights the viral infection, which can cause a host of symptoms including swelling in the armpit's lymph nodes.
MononucleosisInfectious mononucleosis, commonly known as mono, is a contagious, viral infection. It typically spreads through contact with body fluids, especially saliva. This is why it is sometimes referred to as, "the kissing disease." It can also be spread by sharing cups and utensils.
Common symptoms of mono include fatigue, fever, sore throat, headache, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits. Symptoms usually start about 4-6 weeks after the infection begins.
Antibiotics are not effective against mono. Most people get better with home remedies (like rest and nutritious foods) within two to four weeks—but symptoms may last several weeks to months.
Influenza (The Flu)Influenza is a viral respiratory illness that infects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. The flu spreads through exposure to tiny droplets when a person sneezes, coughs, or talks. Symptoms usually include a fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes.
You can lower your risk of contracting the flu by receiving an annual flu shot, washing your hands frequently, and limiting contact with people with the flu.
HIVHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a serious viral illness that destroys a type of white blood cell in your immune system that helps your body fight infections. HIV greatly raises the risk of serious infections and diseases and can spread through bodily fluids like semen, vaginal fluids, and blood.
Symptoms of HIV may include fever, chills, rash, night sweats, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, mouth sores, and swollen lymph nodes. Symptoms usually come and go for the first few weeks of illness.
When diagnosed early, you can manage HIV with antiviral medications.
ShinglesShingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. If you had chickenpox as a child, you can develop shingles as an adult. About 1 in 3 people in the United States will experience shingles at some time—and the risk tends to increase with age. However, getting the shingles vaccine can reduce your risk of the infection.
If you experience shingles, you may develop symptoms like pain, itchy skin, a painful and blister-like rash, fever, chills, headache, and swollen lymph nodes.
Shingles is treatable with antiviral medications like Zovirax (acyclovir).
HepatitisHepatitis refers to the inflammation of the liver. Viral hepatitis may be caused by hepatitis A, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C. Many people with hepatitis do not show signs of it—but if you do develop symptoms, they may include fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain, dark urine, clay-colored stools, and swollen lymph nodes.
The infection may last weeks to months, but vaccines are available to prevent hepatitis from occurring.
Medical ConditionsHealth conditions like autoimmune disorders and certain types of cancer may cause swollen lymph nodes in the armpits. The treatment options for these causes depend on the underlying condition you have and the severity of your symptoms.
CancerCertain types of cancer affect the lymph nodes. Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma are cancers that start in the lymph nodes, while leukemia affects the blood cells and may eventually cause swollen lymph nodes.
Other types of cancer may start in another area of the body and spread to the lymph nodes through the lymph fluid or blood. Cancers of the head, neck, and breast are most likely to spread to the lymph nodes in the armpits because of their proximity to your armpits.
It's important to seek care from a healthcare provider as soon as possible. The treatment plan for cancer depends on the type of cancer you have, how advanced it is, and the severity of your symptoms. Common treatment options for cancer typically include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy.
Rheumatoid ArthritisRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to attack healthy cells in the joints, leading to inflammation. People with RA usually experience pain in the joints of the hands, wrists, or knees. Symptoms of RA often include pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. You may also notice fever, fatigue, weight loss, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes.
Medications can help reduce symptoms.
Systemic Lupus ErythematosusSystemic lupus erythematosus, more commonly known as lupus, is a chronic autoimmune condition that occurs when the immune system attacks healthy tissues in the body. Lupus affects several organs and can cause inflammation and damage to the skin, joints, heart, lungs, kidneys, blood cells, or brain. Lupus symptoms can vary widely, including pain, fever, a rash, hair loss, sores, and swollen lymph nodes.
There is no cure for lupus but medications and lifestyle changes can help you manage the condition well.
Other Potential Causes of Swollen Lymph NodesSeveral other factors can also contribute to the swelling in your lymph nodes. They may include vaccine reactions, medications, and injuries.
Vaccine ReactionIn very rare cases, a vaccine could cause a reaction affecting the lymph nodes One 2022 case study found that one person who received the COVID-19 vaccine experienced swelling in the lymph node in their armpit. The risk of this reaction may increase with subsequent (additional) vaccines. In this case study, the person experienced lymph node swelling after her third COVID-19 vaccine.
Medication Side EffectsAll medications have some side effects, but certain medications raise the risk of swelling in the lymph nodes in the armpits. These drugs include:
Aloprim (allopurinol): Treats gout and kidney stones
Tenormin (atenolol): Treats high blood pressure and chest pain
Capoten (captopril): Treats high blood pressure and heart failure
Tegretol (carbamazepine): Treats seizures and bipolar disorder
Apresoline (hydralazine): Treats high blood pressure
Dilantin (phenytoin): Treats seizures
Mysoline (primidone): Treats seizure disorders
Daraprim (pyrimethamine): Treats toxoplasmosis
Cardioquin (quinidine): Treats irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
Clinoril (sulindac): Treats pain
Swollen lymph nodes can also be a side effect of certain drug classes that treat bacterial infection—such as Cephalosporins, Penicillins, and Sulfonamides.
InjurySwelling in the armpit can sometimes be due to a muscle strain or injury. The muscles in and around the armpits could become sore after overusing them with lifting, pulling, throwing, or pushing motions. Injuries to the shoulder, such as a shoulder dislocation, can also lead to pain and swelling in the armpit. As the injury heals, the swelling typically goes away.
Ingrown HairIngrown hairs in the armpits occur when your hair curls back into a shallow layer of the skin instead of growing outward. If you develop ingrown hair, you'll likely experience irritation, swelling, pain, bumps, and itching in the armpits.
If your ingrown hair becomes affected, it can develop into a condition called folliculitis, which may require antibiotics or antibacterial home remedies for treatment.
How To Treat Swollen Lymph NodesThere are several treatment options for swollen lymph nodes in the armpits, but your exact treatment plan will depend on what's causing your swelling. If you have swollen lymph nodes, see your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and begin treatment if necessary.
During your appointment, your provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history, recent symptoms, current medications, and family history. They may also order additional diagnostic tests such as blood tests, imaging studies, and lymph node biopsies.
Once your provider learns the cause of your symptoms, treatment will depend on what's causing your swollen lymph nodes. Treatment options may include:
Cause of Swollen Lymph Nodes
Recommended Treatment
Bacterial infections
Antibiotics
Viral infections
Antiviral medications and rest
Cancer
Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy
Autoimmune disorders
Immunosuppressant medications and supportive therapies
Medication side effects
Stopping the medication
Injury or ingrown hair
Self-care strategies and over-the-counter home remedies
When to Contact a Healthcare ProviderIt's normal to experience swollen lymph nodes if you have an infection. As you recover, your lymph node swelling should improve. However, if your swollen lymph nodes stick around even after you're feeling better, it's a good idea to see your healthcare provider. Contact your healthcare provider urgently if you have swollen lymph nodes alongside the following symptoms:
Extreme fatigue
Unintended weight loss
Night sweats
Weakness
These symptoms may be a sign of a more serious condition, so it's important to get support right away to reduce the risk of potential complications.
A Quick ReviewLymph nodes are a part of your immune system and can become swollen if you've developed an infection, condition, or injury. There are several possible causes of swelling in your lymph nodes ranging from bacterial infections, viral infections, autoimmune disorders, cancer, and medication side effects.
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of your symptoms, but medications, therapies, and home remedies can help reduce the swelling effectively.
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My Immunotherapy Journey During Lung Cancer
When I received my diagnosis of lung cancer, I didn't want to have chemotherapy, but the doctor knew best.
My mother was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in the 1990s and suffered through regimen after regimen of chemotherapy. I found it painful to even watch the effect of the harsh chemicals on her body. Relief was my initial reaction when she told me she had decided to forego the last chemo recommended by her oncologist.
Then, in 2015 almost 20 years later, I heard that former President Jimmy Carter was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma. The most dangerous type of skin cancer had spread to his liver and brain. Carter had surgery to remove a mass on his liver, followed by radiation to treat the spots on his brain. Finally, the former president received four rounds of immunotherapy using the drug, Keytruda (pembrolizumab). Hence, hearing Jimmy Carter's cancer story, I finally felt hopeful. Now Carter's cancer is cured, and on October 1, 2024, he will be 100 years old.
Were we approaching the day when chemotherapy was no longer the first-line treatment for most cancers?
Five years after my mother's death I had been diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ, the earliest form of breast cancer. I opted to have a mastectomy because of a possible family history of breast cancer. Only, another year or so later, I noticed a sense of weakness in my left lower leg and foot. An MRI revealed a meningioma, a benign tumor in the lining of my brain. It was removed successfully, and I stayed well for about 15 years. My health was good, but cancer continued to run rampant in my family, both nuclear and extended.
However, I was in the position to, hopefully, follow in Jimmy Carter's footsteps in 2018. Diagnosed initially with stage 2 non-small cell lung cancer, my disease was restaged after the tumor in my left lung was surgically removed. During the surgical procedure, my doctor took lymph nodes from my chest. The nodes were biopsied, and many of them were discovered to be malignant. The members of the tumor board at the hospital where I was treated discussed at length, even argued, before deciding to delay chemotherapy for me, just long enough for my thoracic surgeon to remove the tumor from my right lung.
Remembering my mother's experience, I felt terrified by the concept of chemotherapy. I attended my final appointment with my thoracic surgeon. He listened patiently as I shared my anxious thoughts about chemo, then recommended an oncologist whom he thought highly of. As a demonstration of his trust in the oncologist he had referred, my doctor told me that his mother was currently traveling almost an hour to and from appointments with that oncologist. Saving the good news until last, my surgeon told my husband and me, "Your PD-L1 score is at 60%; you are a good candidate for immunotherapy."
Wow, it was just what I wanted to hear. I asked, "Might the oncologist treat me with immunotherapy, instead of chemotherapy?"
The doctor responded, "I don't know." I wondered whether he really did not know.
If I was afraid of receiving chemo, I was totally overwhelmed by the consultation appointment I had with my new oncologist just one week later.
He sat right in front of me, looked deep into my eyes, and spoke too rapidly for my stressed mind to absorb his words or their meaning. He told me exactly what to expect from my lung cancer treatment, especially what I would go through between then, early September, and the end of that year…four rounds of cisplatin chemotherapy.
My oncologist and I reconciled; he was an amazing cheerleader-working with all his strength, physical and emotional, to help his patients beat cancer. I respected his medical knowledge and experience.
Chemo was a struggle, but I made it through. That same day, my final day of treatment, I found myself back in my doctor's office. He talked to me about daily radiation, as well as optional Imfinzi (durvalumab) immunotherapy.
It was the worst possible time to discuss my personal greatest hope for a cure for cancer, mine and many others. I was totally burned out by chemotherapy! Why was my oncologist sending me to two important consultation appointments, when I could barely stand up and walk from my comfy recliner to the bathroom in my home?
But with a lot of support and encouragement from my husband, I made it to both appointments the following week, most importantly the session with the leader of the immunotherapy and drug development center in the oncology department at the premier medical center in my city.
Once I met her, my doubts were quelled. My body and mind could cope with another year of treatment.
I'm not a scientist, but to the best of my understanding immune cells travel around in the body looking for germs and other foreigncells to attack. Imfinzi is an immunotherapy drug that binds to the protein, PD-L1, in cancer cells, to help immune cells kill those cells better. It is used to treat lung cancer, as well as other cancers. It is one of the types of immunotherapies known as checkpoint inhibitors.
Except for one rather unique side effect, my year of immunotherapy was largely uneventful. An allergic reaction to poison ivy led to a counter-reaction, which was easily cured by taking oatmeal baths. Other than that, I simply sat in the cancer center monthly for a 45-minute infusion, then went on with my life.
In spring 2023, I reached the five-year mark, cancer-free.
Did Imfinzi cure me of stage 3B Lung cancer? Maybe. More likely, it was a combination of treatments, with my experienced and knowledgeable doctor and my perseverance in battling an ominous disease.
For more news on cancer updates, research and education, don't forget to subscribe to CURE®'s newsletters here.
People With Tattoos Have A 21% Higher Risk Of Lymphoma Blood Cancer – Even If They're Tiny, Study Suggests
GETTING tattoos - however large or small - could up your risk of developing cancer by 21 per cent, a study suggests.
A Swedish study found a link between tattoos and cancer of the lymphatic system, also known as lymphoma.
2
Getting tattooed could mean you're at higher risk of getting lymphatic cancerCredit: Lund University2
Christel Nielsen, an epidemiology researcher at Lund University, said that getting tattooed activates an immune response and much of the ink is deposited in the lymph nodesCredit: Lund UniversityResearchers from Lund University stressed they're not trying to dissuade people from getting inked and said further research is needed to confirm their results.
But they said that not much is currently known about the long-term health effects of tattoos, with little research in the area despite the popularity of permanent body art surging in recent decades.
Lead author Christel Nielsen said: "We already know that when the tattoo ink is injected into the skin, the body interprets this as something foreign that should not be there and the immune system is activated.
"A large part of the ink is transported away from the skin, to the lymph nodes where it is deposited."
Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that affects the immune system - specifically white blood cells called lymphocytes, according to Blood Cancer UK.
There are two main types of lymphatic cancer – Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Over 14,000 people are diagnosed with lymphoma each year in the UK, making it the most common blood cancer.
Lund University researchers looked at the link between tattoos and lymphoma, finding that people sporting ink have a 21 per cent increased chance of developing it.
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Bizarre penis facts, from having a double penis to why it leans to one sideThey relied on Swedish National Authority registries, which identify every individual who's been diagnosed with lymphoma, Dr Nielsen said.
Out of the 11,905 people studied, 2,938 were diagnosed with lymphoma between the ages of 20 and 60 years old, between 2007 and 2011.
Ex-Man Utd trainee Joe Thompson diagnosed with cancer for 3rd time and says 'aggressive' lymphoma has spread to his lungsOf these participants, 54 per cent (1,398) answered a questionnaire about tattoos.
Researchers also examined a control group of 4,193 people who hadn't been diagnosed with cancer.
"We have identified people diagnosed with lymphoma via population registers," Dr Nielsen said.
"These individuals were then matched with a control group of the same sex and age, but without lymphoma.
"The study participants answered a questionnaire about lifestyle factors to determine whether they were tattooed or not."
In the group with lymphoma, 21 percent were tattooed (289 individuals), study results published in eClinicalMedicine showed.
As for the control group, 18 percent were tattooed (735).
"After taking into account other relevant factors, such as smoking and age, we found that the risk of developing lymphoma was 21 per cent higher among those who were tattooed," Dr Nielsen explained.
The study team initially thought the size of a tattoo would affect someone's likelihood of developing lymphoma - for example, that a full body tattoo might be associated with a greater risk compared to a small butterfly.
To their surprise, the size of of the tattoo turned out not to matter.
"We do not yet know why this was the case," Dr Nielsen said.
"One can only speculate that a tattoo, regardless of size, triggers a low-grade inflammation in the body, which in turn can trigger cancer.
"The picture is thus more complex than we initially thought."
Study authors noted that most people get their first tattoo at a young age, meaning they're are exposed to tattoo ink for a large part of their life.
But they said research into the subject has only scratched the surface of the long-term health effects of tattoos.
Dr Nielsen said: "It is important to remember that lymphoma is a rare disease and that our results apply at the group level.
"The results now need to be verified and investigated further in other studies and such research is ongoing."
The research group intends to conduct studies on whether there is any association between tattoos and other types of cancer.
They also want to do further research on other inflammatory diseases to see if there is a link to tattoos.
Dr Nielsen said the point of the research was to ensure the practice of tattooing is safe rather than to dissuade people from doing it.
"People will likely want to continue to express their identity through tattoos, and therefore it is very important that we as a society can make sure that it is safe," she explained.
"For the individual, it is good to know that tattoos can affect your health, and that you should turn to your health care provider if you experience symptoms that you believe could be related to your tattoo."
Types of lymphoma and most common symptoms
LYMPHOMA - also referred to as lymphatic cancer - is a type of blood cancer that affects white blood cells called lymphocytes.
The most common symptom of the disease are lumps caused by swollen lymph nodes.
You may get painless swellings in your neck, collarbone, armpit, groin or other parts of your body.
Some swollen lymph nodes can press on organs and cause pain in your chest, coughing, breathlessness, or pain in your stomach area.
Other symptoms include:
There are different types of lymphoma depending on how the cells are affected and how the lymphoma behaves.
They include:
Non-Hodgkin lymphomas that are fast-growing:
Non-Hodgkin lymphomas that are slow-growing:
Source: Blood Cancer UK
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