The Most Common Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)



what std causes swollen lymph nodes in armpit :: Article Creator

7 Causes Of Lumps In Your Armpit

Finding a lump in your armpit can be worrisome, especially if it's painful or appears unexpectedly. The lump could be a sign or symptom of conditions like breast cancer or hidradenitis suppurativa, but it might also emerge because of shaving or as a vaccine side effect.

These types of lumps additionally will go away on their own or with treatment. Read on to learn about armpit lumps, including how they're diagnosed and treated and when to see a healthcare provider.

In general, a person could experience armpit lumps due to: Cysts—fluid-filled tissue pockets Infections Swollen lymph nodes—small structures that are part of the immune system 1. Breast Cancer Lumps or swelling in the armpit can be one of the symptoms of breast cancer. The lumps may be the result of breast cancer spreading to armpit lymph nodes. It is important to note, though, that changes related to the breast are more often not associated with cancer. 2. Breast Infections Like breast cancer, breast infections—which are breast tissue infections caused by bacteria—can lead to swollen armpit lymph nodes. Other signs of a breast infection include: Breast lumps and pain Breast tissue swelling, tenderness, and warmth Fever Flu-like symptoms Itchiness Nipple discharge One-sided breast enlargement or fullness Skin redness 3. Cat Scratch Disease Sometimes, cat saliva can contain infection-causing bacteria. When a cat with this bacteria in their saliva bites, licks, or scratches you, the resulting infection is called cat-scratch disease. You could end up with a lump in your armpit from lymph node swelling if a scratch or bite occurs on your arm. 4. Cysts Cysts can appear in your armpit and cause lumps after you've shaved. You can also develop armpit lumps from antiperspirants—products that reduce how much you sweat—but not deodorants. 5. Hidradenitis Suppurativa Painful lumps within the skin, including in your armpit, can be a sign of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). The lumps commonly occur where one part of your skin touches another. HS can sometimes have the same appearance as acne and pimples, but they are different skin conditions. 6. Lipoma It may be a lipoma if your lump isn't red, inflamed, or filled with pus. Lipomas are noncancerous, fatty tissue tumors. While you can get lipomas at any age, they mostly form in adults between 40 and 60. There is no known cause of them other than possibly your genetics. 7. Vaccines Lymph nodes in your armpit can also become swollen due to vaccines as part of an immune response. For example, Gardasil—the vaccine for human papillomavirus (HPV), a set of viruses that can lead to some types of cancer—lists swollen lymph nodes as a side effect. COVID-19 vaccines may also lead to swollen lymph nodes. One study found that 44% of participants experienced swollen lymph nodes in their armpits after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. To diagnose armpit lumps, a healthcare provider will do a physical exam, which typically involves gently pressing on the lump. The provider will also likely ask you questions to get more information, such as when you noticed the lump or if anything makes it worse. Other tests may be necessary based on what the provider finds during the physical exam, such as: Biopsies, where providers get a sample of tissue for lab examination Imaging tests, like X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, to get pictures of soft tissues Swab tests for sores or wounds that are leaking fluid to determine if you have an infection Treatment for lumps in the armpit will depend on what caused the lump. For example, you may have to avoid shaving or switch antiperspirants. Some lumps might also require surgical removal—like in the case of lipomas—while others can go away over time if they're a vaccine side effect. A lump in your armpit doesn't always have a serious cause. Talk to a healthcare provider if you experience armpit lumps or swollen lymph nodes in the armpits: Accompanied by fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss That are unexplained That feel hard, have grown larger, or have worsening pain That could be a potential breast cancer sign With an irregular shape or in a fixed position Causes of lumps in the armpit generally include cysts, infections, and swollen lymph nodes. Some armpit lumps may be harmless—resulting from actions like shaving or using antiperspirants—while others can be a potential sign of breast cancer or infections. The diagnosis for armpit lumps can include physical exams and testing, and treatment for these types of lumps will vary based on the cause. See a healthcare provider if you have concerns about armpit lumps and if you have additional symptoms like pain and night sweats.

Thanks for your feedback!


Preauricular Lymph Nodes: What To Know

These lymph modes are located in front of your ears, and can become swollen if you have an infection in your head or neck.

Medically reviewed by John Carew, MD

Preauricular lymph nodes are lymphatic structures in front of your ears, on either side of your face. They're part of the lymphatic system, which helps clear bacteria, viruses, and other infection causes from your body. Swollen lymph nodes, called lymphadenopathy or adenopathy, commonly occur when your body is fighting off an infection. Although swollen lymph nodes behind the ear are more common due to the location of lymph nodes in the neck, some people will experience swollen preauricular lymph nodes, which can lead to swelling and tenderness in front of the ears when they have ear infections, tooth infections, or other illnesses.

Continue reading to learn more about preauricular lymph nodes, including what can cause them to swell, how to treat swollen lymph nodes, and when to see a healthcare provider.

What Are Preauricular Lymph Nodes?

The preauricular lymph nodes are located just in front of your ears, on top of your jaw bones. "Auricular" means "having to do with the ear" and "pre" means "in front." They're part of the cervical lymph nodes, the region of lymph nodes found around your neck.

Lymph nodes, including the preauricular lymph nodes, are important to the body. Lymph nodes filter lymph waste, which clears dangerous cells like cancer, bacteria, and viruses from tissues throughout the body. The lymph nodes remove these dangerous cells to keep you healthy. This is a critical part of your immune system.

Swollen lymph nodes happen when your body is fighting an infection or, rarely, cancer or an autoimmune disease. That's because the lymph nodes are working extra hard to rid your body of the infection.

Common Causes of Preauricular Lymph Node Swelling

You have lymph nodes all over your body. Some are more likely to have noticeable swelling, including the lymph nodes in the neck, groin, and underarms.

The preauricular lymph nodes don't commonly swell, but when they do, it's most often a sign of a local infection in your face or head. The infections that can cause swollen preauricular lymph nodes include:

  • Salivary gland infections, infections of the glands that secrete saliva.

  • Ear infections, particularly swimmer's ear, or otitis externa, an infection of the outer ear canal.

  • Tooth infections.

  • Adenoviruses, which can cause cold- or flu-like symptoms, or conjunctivitis.

  • Parinaud oculoglandular syndrome, a condition that's similar to pink eye and can be caused by cat scratch fever.

  • Non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection, or NTM, a bacterial infection most common in kids under five years old.

  • Other Causes

    Like other types of swollen lymph nodes, enlarged  preauricular lymph nodes can also be caused by:

    How Are Swollen Preauricular Lymph Nodes Treated?

    In most cases, swollen pre auricular lymph nodes don't need treatment. The soreness and tenderness usually resolves within a few days, and the nodes will return to their normal size within a few weeks. While living with the swelling can be annoying, remind yourself that it's a sign that your immune system is doing exactly what it should be!

    However, in some cases, the infection or ailment that causes swollen lymph nodes will need treatment. For example, if a tooth infection contributes to your swollen lymph nodes, you'll need to see a dentist and perhaps start antibiotics. If a more serious underlying condition, like HIV or cancer, is causing your swollen lymph nodes, you'll work with a specialist to create a treatment plan. As the underlying issue gets better, your lymph nodes will look less inflamed.

    In the meantime, you can use a cold compress or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication like Tylenol or NSAIDs to manage your pain and discomfort.

    When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

    Usually, you don't need to see a healthcare provider about swollen lymph nodes. However, you should see a healthcare provider if:

  • Your lymph nodes are red or very painful

  • They feel hard, or fixed in one space

  • They don't return to their normal size within a few weeks

  • They continue to get larger

  • You have other symptoms like fever or unexplained weight loss

  • Swollen lymph nodes in children are considered anything larger than half an inch. If your child has a lymph node that's swollen to more than that size, call their healthcare provider.

    Summary

    Preauricular lymph nodes are located in front of your ears. They can become swollen after infections including salivary gland infections, eye infections, tooth infections, or even the common cold. In these cases, the swelling often resolves on its own within a few weeks.

    If your swollen lymph nodes last for more than a few weeks, reach out to your healthcare provider. In rarer cases, swollen lymph nodes can be a sign of a serious underlying illness, like cancer, HIV, or severe infection, that needs to be addressed. Likewise, call your healthcare provider if you experience any concerning symptoms, including a fever or unexplained weight loss.

    Read the original article on Verywell Health.

    View comments


    How Serious Is A Swollen Lymph Node?

    CNN Comment Policy: CNN encourages you to add a comment to this discussion. You may not post any unlawful, threatening, defamatory, obscene, pornographic or other material that would violate the law. All comments should be relevant to the topic and remain respectful of other authors and commenters. You are solely responsible for your own comments, the consequences of posting those comments, and the consequences of any reliance by you on the comments of others. By submitting your comment, you hereby give CNN the right, but not the obligation, to post, air, edit, exhibit, telecast, cablecast, webcast, re-use, publish, reproduce, use, license, print, distribute or otherwise use your comment(s) and accompanying personal identifying and other information you provide via all forms of media now known or hereafter devised, worldwide, in perpetuity. CNN Privacy Statement.

    The information contained on this page does not and is not intended to convey medical advice. CNN is not responsible for any actions or inaction on your part based on the information that is presented here. Please consult a physician or medical professional for personal medical advice or treatment.






    Comments

    Popular posts from this blog

    Types of skin cancer and how to spot them - Jersey's Best

    What to do about skin tags, moles and other bumps - The Washington Post

    STIs With Flu-Like Symptoms