Swelling or lump
Lump in the armpit
A lump in the armpit is likely to be a swollen lymph gland , particularly if you also feel unwell and have other signs of an infection. The glands in the armpit can swell to more than a few centimetres in response to infection or illness. Swollen glands usually go down when you recover.
It's uncommon for a lump in the armpit to be a lymphoma (cancer of the lymph glands), but you should see your GP if the lump doesn't go down.
A small, knobbly lump in your armpit that hangs off the skin like a wart is probably a skin tag. Skin tags grow where skin rubs against skin or clothing, which is why they're often seen under the arm. They're very common and harmless, and can be left alone.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Most lumps and swellings are harmless but they should still be checked by a GP. Find out more about different types of lumps and swellings and why they occur.
Facial swelling or lump
A lump or swelling on the face that wasn't caused by an injury is most likely to be one of the following: Mumps a viral infection that usually affects children and causes swelling of the glands on
Lump in the neck or throat
A lump in the neck or throat is most likely to be one of the following: swollen glands usually a sign of infection, such as a cold or glandular fever ; the glands tend to go down when you rec
Lump in the breast
Breast lumps are common and have several different causes. While most breast lumps aren't breast cancer , any unusual changes to the breasts should be checked by a GP as soon as possible. Common caus
Lump on the shoulder, back, chest or arm
A lump on the shoulder, back, chest or arm is most likely to be a lipoma or a cyst. A lipoma is a soft, fatty lump that grows under the skin. It's fairly common, harmless and can usually be left alo
Lump in the armpit
A lump in the armpit is likely to be a swollen lymph gland , particularly if you also feel unwell and have other signs of an infection. The glands in the armpit can swell to more than a few centimetre
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