Painful lump in my armpit

[Anxiouslump]

When I had my shower this morning I felt a painful lump in my armpit. It’s quite deep in my armpit, not just under the skin. It hurts if I press it, a bit like a very painful spot (but it is definitely below the skin, so it’s not a spot, and actually quite difficult to press. It just appeared overnight, I know I didn’t feel anything unusual when I last shaved my armpits a few days ago, but this morning it was quite sore.

I am going to contact the GP and get it checked out.
But what is likely to happen? Would they go straight to something like a biopsy, or would they tell me to monitor it at home to see if goes away on its own before doing anything else? I don’t think a mammogram would help because it’s in my armpit not my breast? Might they just give me antibiotics in case it’s an infection?

I know from google that it could be an infection, but I have never ever had a painful armpit before when I’ve been run down or ill.

I just want to be prepared for the possibilities because I am super busy at work and just feel a bit stressed.

I am 38, no children and never been pregnant, so it’s definitely nothing to do with breastfeeding. My mum has had breast cancer twice, tested but not thought to carry a gene for it.

Any information, advice or experiences you can share most gratefully received.

Thank you, don’t worry I’m going to.

@Anxiouslump I'll be honest, I can't remember. I'd had some treatment for heavy meno bleeding and pain in both boobs. I remember I kept prodding them both because one felt sore and I was trying to establish that it was both sides. My tumour was under my nipple so already a sensitive area and it was consistently sore and throbbed at times. I only realised I had a lump when I moved awkwardly and felt something pull. Then I found it. My lymph nodes were raised in my collarbone and my corresponding armpit but they were completely painless. If I ever got sore lymph nodes it was usually after shaving or because I was due a period. Your lump is much more likely to be for something like that.

What I will say is that it wasn't the end of the world having cancer. I was treated quickly and I got through it well. It's been four years since my diagnosis. I understand the fear because it all feels out of control at the moment but remember that it is far less likely to be cancer. Keep us posted!

Yes, I agree with a pp - I suspect it may be an infection following on from shaving ( I am not a medical professional). Definitely a good idea to get it checked out by the gp, who can refer you on to a breast clinic. From memory, lumps (breast / armpit) are statistically more likely to be benign than cancerous (I seem to remember reading that 80% tend to be benign?), so it is not a cause for panic, but to be on the safe side should be checked out.

I get these from time to time and they’ve always been a boil. Sometimes they come to a head, but usually just go down after antibiotics. Hopefully yours is something simple too.

Thank you for your experiences. Wishing you a healthy and happy future.

Thought I would update for anyone else who finds this post and is interested.

I went to the GP, he had a feel, said it didn’t seem sinister and told me to go home and come back in 3 weeks if it was still there.

I felt a bit deflated and worried I had been fobbed off.

By the next morning, it had gone.

I am still keeping a close eye and examining myself carefully, but it seems to have disappeared pretty much as rapidly as it appeared.

Hi
Great news. We appreciated the update. Just as you said, others may find the thread helpful where a FM has asked a question and taken time to give us an update/outcome#

Wishing you all of the best.

I really appreciated everyone’s replies, especially everyone who shared their own experiences of what can be a frightening and difficult time. Wishing everyone well xxx

That's great news! So relieved for you OP!