Pain under the arm of a woman (right or left) can be a sign of a variety of pathologies. Most often, this symptom is associated with inflammatory processes in the axillary lymph nodes and sweat glands, as well as with injuries. However, pain can also radiate into the axillary fossa from nearby organs and nerve endings. In this case, diagnosing the pathology becomes much more difficult. What ailments can be accompanied by pain in the armpit? And which doctor should I contact? We will consider these issues in the article.
Causes
The cause of pain under the armpit in women can be the following diseases and conditions:
- enlargement and inflammation of the lymph nodes;
- inflammatory process and suppuration of sweat glands;
- cyclic hormonal changes in the female body;
- neoplasms of the mammary gland;
- atheroma;
- herpes zoster;
- allergy;
- muscle injuries.
Only the doctor can establish the exact etiology of the pain syndrome. Therefore, in case of unpleasant sensations in the armpit, it is urgent to seek medical help.
Next, we will consider in detail the most common diseases in which pain occurs under the armpit on the right side.
Lymphadenopathy
In this condition, an increase in lymph nodes is noted. Lymphadenopathy is not an independent disease. This is only one of the symptoms of infectious and inflammatory pathologies. Enlarged lymph nodes are the response of the body’s immune system to bacteria or viruses.
Normally, the size of the axillary lymph nodes is not more than 1 cm. When they increase, pain occurs due to stretching of the tissues.
Lymphadenopathy can be one of the manifestations of the following diseases:
- flu
- measles
- sore throats;
- infectious mononucleosis;
- tuberculosis
- rubella
- brucellosis;
- felinosis (feline scratch disease).
With these pathologies, there is swelling of the lymph nodes and pain under the armpit in women. Lymphadenopathy with infections is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- fever;
- sweating;
- weakness
- deterioration in overall health.
To get rid of lymphadenopathy, it is necessary to cure the underlying pathology. Patients are prescribed a course of therapy with antibacterial and antiviral drugs. After recovery, the lymph nodes are reduced to normal sizes.
However, there are more dangerous causes of lymphadenopathy. This may be a sign of an oncological process in the lymphatic system: lymphoma, lymphosarcoma, Hodgkin's disease. With these pathologies, the patient has a small but constant increase in body temperature, weakness, causeless weight loss, an increase in the liver and spleen. These are early signs of cancer. In such cases, you can not hesitate to consult a doctor. In diseases of the lymphatic system, it is necessary to undergo a course of treatment with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Autoimmune diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis) can also cause swelling and pain in the lymph node under the armpit. With such pathologies, joint pain and rashes on the face are noted. Diseases are chronic. It is very important to start treatment on time, this will help to avoid serious complications in the heart and kidneys. It is necessary to take cytostatics and corticosteroids for life. After achieving remission, pain and swelling of the lymph nodes disappear.
Lymphadenitis
With this disease, the lymph node becomes inflamed and suppurates. There is pain under the armpits in women when you click on the affected area. The cause of inflammation is infection.
First, a small painful seal appears under the skin. Then the affected area acquires a dark red color and becomes hot to the touch. Pain in this case is very pronounced. Subsequently, a white head appears on the inflamed skin. This symptom indicates the maturation of the abscess. An abscess usually erupts on its own, after which the pain disappears and relief comes.
Lymphadenitis is also accompanied by the following symptoms:
- fever;
- deterioration in general condition;
- chills.
The surgeon is involved in the treatment of this pathology. Prescribe oral antibiotics, as well as local antibacterial ointments that accelerate the breakthrough of the abscess. In severe cases, an autopsy and drainage of the inflamed lymph node is performed.
Hydradenitis
Pain under the right mouse in women (as, in fact, under the left) can be a sign of hydradenitis. The people call this disease "bitch udder." The pathology is similar in its manifestations to lymphadenitis, but with hydradenitis, it is not the lymph node that inflames, but the sweat glands in the armpit. Most often, this disease is caused by staphylococci.
Inflammation develops gradually. First there is a slight swelling under the armpit, itching and discomfort. Then the skin turns red and a cone-shaped cone appears. This formation is extremely painful. Within 10 -15 days, an abscess forms, which later breaks on its own.
Quite often, not one sweat gland is exposed to inflammation and suppuration, but several at once. Multiple painful formations appear under the arm. Hydradenitis is accompanied by the following additional symptoms:
- high fever;
- weakness
- headache.
The patient is prescribed a course of antibiotic therapy. Local treatment with ointments with ichthyol, levomecol and synthomycin is also indicated. In advanced cases, the abscess is opened.
Hydradenitis often recurs. Therefore, doctors additionally prescribe a course of immunomodulators and vitamins. It is recommended to follow a diet with a restriction of fatty foods, regularly wash the armpits and treat the skin with disinfectants. This will help avoid a relapse of inflammation.
Mastalgia
Aching pain under the armpits in women can be associated with hormonal fluctuations during the monthly cycle. This symptom complex is called mastalgia. The pains are periodic. They occur in the second phase of the menstrual cycle, shortly before the onset of menstruation.
The pain is localized in the area of the mammary glands and is noted both on the right and on the left side. Unpleasant sensations radiating to the armpit. Most often they are expressed mildly and do not cause particular inconvenience. However, in some cases, the pain syndrome can be quite intense.
Mastalgia is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- engorgement of the mammary glands in the second half of the menstrual cycle;
- a slight increase in axillary lymph nodes (in rare cases);
- the disappearance of pain after the onset of menstruation;
- mood swings (irritability, tearfulness).
This symptom complex is not a pathology. Under the influence of natural hormones, the patient's mammary glands become rude and lymph outflow worsens. This leads to the occurrence of pain.
Mastalgia is noted in many women throughout the reproductive period. This symptom disappears only during menopause. However, if with menopause, the patient undergoes hormone replacement therapy, then she may experience cyclic chest pain that radiates to the armpit.
What should I do if I have pains under my arm before my period? In women, slight discomfort during this period is considered a natural phenomenon. However, if the pain syndrome is strongly expressed and disturbs well-being, then it is necessary to undergo a course of treatment. Patients are prescribed analgesics, drugs with estrogen, sedatives. Diuretics are also indicated, this will help normalize lymph outflow. Women with mastalgia are advised to limit their fluid intake.
Breast tumors
Oncological pathologies of the mammary glands can become the cause of pain under the armpit in women. At an early stage, tumors do not manifest themselves in any way and are asymptomatic. Neoplasms are detected by chance during a mammogram. The appearance of a pain syndrome indicates an advanced stage of the disease.
The pain is localized in the mammary gland and radiates to the armpit from the affected side. In contrast to mastalgia, the pain syndrome is permanent and is not associated with the monthly cycle. On palpation, a dense formation is felt in the chest and in the axillary fossa.
Breast cancer is also accompanied by the following symptoms:
- The nipple becomes retracted; sores and scales can be found on its surface.
- Pathological discharge from the chest that is not associated with lactation appears.
- The color of the skin in the area of the affected mammary gland changes. The epidermis becomes uneven and resembles a lemon peel in appearance.
- The chest looks swollen and deformed.
- Axillary and supraclavicular lymph nodes often increase.
First, there is a slight aching pain under the arm on the right or left (depending on the location of the tumor). As the neoplasm grows, the intensity of the pain syndrome increases. There is a strong swelling of the axillary fossa, which can spread to the upper limb.
Conservative methods of treatment are effective only in the very early stages of pathology. If the patient has a pronounced pain syndrome, then this usually indicates a significant growth of the neoplasm. In these cases, breast cancer treatment can only be surgical.
Sebaceous cyst
Pain under a woman’s armpit (right or left - it doesn’t matter) can be caused by a sebaceous gland cyst - atheroma. This formation under the skin looks like a ball filled with fatty contents. It is mobile and has clear contours.
The axillary region is rich in sebaceous glands. A cyst is formed as a result of their blockage. This contributes to poor hygiene, excessive sweating, abuse of fatty foods and taking certain medications. Atheroma refers to benign neoplasms. But in rare cases, it can develop into a dangerous tumor.
In the initial stages of atheroma is not accompanied by soreness and does not cause special inconvenience to the patient. However, the cyst is easily infected and suppurates. With the penetration of bacteria on the surface of the neoplasm, a white head forms. Pain under the armpit on the right or left usually appears at the stage of suppuration of the atheroma.
The abscess ripens for a long time and often erupts on its own. But in such cases, atheroma, as a rule, recurs after some time. Therefore, it is recommended to remove it surgically with the capsule. Only in this case can the cyst be completely eliminated.
In no case should you try to squeeze out a festering atheroma yourself. At home, it is impossible to completely remove the cyst along with the capsule, but it is very easy to bring the infection into the resulting wound.
Herpes Zoster
Pain in the right armpit and ribs can be a sign of herpes zoster. This disease affects women who have had chickenpox in the past. The causative agent of the pathology ( Herpes zoster virus ) remains forever in the human body. Its re-activation and leads to the appearance of shingles.
The virus infects nerve endings. At the beginning of the disease, aching pains appear under the arm and in the area of the ribs. Then pink spots form on the skin. After a few days, they turn into bubbles filled with liquid. The patient's temperature rises and her health worsens. The pains intensify sharply, they become burning and unbearable.
Patients are prescribed antiviral drugs ("Acyclovir", "Famvir"), as well as pain medications ("Diclofenac", "Ibuprofen"). For the treatment of skin rashes, antiherpetic ointments are used ("Zovirax", "Herpetad", "Vivorax").
It is important to remember that a patient with herpes zoster can transmit the virus to the surrounding airborne or contact route. In an infected person, the disease proceeds in the form of chickenpox.
Allergy
Pain under the armpits of a woman (right or left - it does not matter) can be triggered by the use of deodorants. Allergic reactions are noted in women with individual intolerance to the components of perfumes.
With allergies on the epidermis, red spots, irritation and itching form. The skin in the armpits is especially delicate, so rashes are often accompanied by pain. Patients are shown oral and local use of antihistamines. During treatment, it is necessary to temporarily abandon the use of deodorants.
Most often, such a reaction is caused by deodorants containing zinc and aluminum salts. Allergy sufferers should avoid using such remedies.
Muscle pain
Drawing pain under the armpit in women can be associated with trauma. Muscles and ligaments in this area are very prone to stretching. They can be easily damaged when lifting weights, sudden movements of the hands and even with an uncomfortable body position during sleep.
When the axillary muscles and ligaments are stretched, the pain syndrome is constant and intensifies with movement and pressing. It is recommended to load the injured hand as little as possible. In the first 3 days, cold compresses are applied to the affected area. In the future, gels and ointments are used to relieve pain and tissue healing ("Diclofenac", "Lyoton", "Voltaren"). At the recovery stage, therapeutic gymnastics and physiotherapy are shown.
Diagnostics
Which doctor should I contact if a woman has pain under her arm? There is discomfort to the right or left - it does not matter. In any case, as we found out, such a symptom can indicate many diseases. First you need to visit a therapist. If necessary, the general practitioner will issue a referral to a specialist with a narrow profile.
To clarify the etiology of pain, the patient may be assigned the following examinations:
- blood test for pituitary and ovarian hormones;
- test for tumor markers;
- MRI
- X-ray of the humerus;
- mammography;
- Ultrasound of the mammary glands;
- blood test for antibodies to infections;
- dopplerography of the lymphatic vessels;
- enlarged lymph node biopsy;
- blood test for immunoglobulin E (if you suspect an allergy).
The choice of the necessary research methods depends on the expected diagnosis.
How to stop the pain
What to do with pain under the armpit on the right (or left)? This symptom can be caused by a variety of reasons. Self-medication in this case is unacceptable, because pain can be a sign of dangerous pathologies. It is necessary to visit a doctor, undergo all the necessary diagnostic tests and cure the underlying disease. After all, pain always signals a dysfunction in the body.
If the pain syndrome is very pronounced, then at the pre-medical stage, you can take the following measures:
- Drink a tablet of an analgesic anti-inflammatory drug, such as Ibuprofen.
- In case of injuries, cold can be applied to the armpit.
- If the pain under the armpits is caused by irritation of the epidermis, then Bepanten ointment or Rescue balm can be applied to the inflamed skin. However, such funds are not recommended for use in inflammation of the lymph nodes or sweat glands.
Immediately before visiting a doctor, you should not take large doses of pain medication. This can blur the clinical picture and make diagnosis difficult.
Prevention
To prevent the appearance of pain in the armpit, the following recommendations must be observed:
- Use only hypoallergenic hygiene products (soap, deodorants).
- Keep armpits clean.
- Avoid excessive heat, as this contributes to increased sweating.
- Shaving the hairs in the armpit should be very careful. Even small cuts and scratches can become a gateway for infection.
- In the second phase of the menstrual cycle, you should not drink a large amount of fluid. This will help to avoid mastalgia.
Women over 40 years old must undergo a mammogram examination annually and donate blood to tumor markers. At this age, the risk of breast cancer increases. Regular examination will help prevent the development of dangerous tumors.