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 to the armpit from nearby organs and nerve endings. In this case, it becomes much more difficult to diagnose pathology. What ailments can be accompanied by pain in the armpit? And which doctor should I contact? We will consider these issues in the article.
Reasons
The following diseases and conditions can cause armpit pain in women:
- enlarged and inflamed lymph nodes;
- inflammatory process and suppuration of sweat glands;
- cyclic hormonal changes in the female body;
- breast tumors;
- atheroma;
- shingles;
- allergy;
- muscle injury.
Only a doctor can establish the exact etiology of the pain syndrome. Therefore, if you experience discomfort in the armpit, you must urgently seek medical help.
Next, we will take a closer look at the most common diseases in which there is pain under the armpit on the right side.
Lymphadenopathy
In this condition, there is an increase in lymph nodes. Lymphadenopathy is not an independent disease. This is just one of the symptoms of infectious and inflammatory pathologies. Enlarged lymph nodes are the response of the body's immune system to the penetration of bacteria or viruses.
Normally, the size of the axillary lymph nodes is no more than 1 cm. When they increase, pain occurs due to tissue stretching.
Lymphadenopathy may be one of the manifestations of the following diseases:
- flu;
- measles;
- angina;
- infectious mononucleosis;
- tuberculosis;
- rubella;
- brucellosis;
- felinosis (cat scratch disease).
With these pathologies, swelling of the lymph nodes and pain under the arm in women appear. Lymphadenopathy in infections is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- temperature increase;
- sweating;
- weakness;
- deterioration in general well-being.
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 shrink to normal size.
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 slight but constant increase in body temperature, weakness, causeless weight loss, enlargement of the liver and spleen. These are early signs of cancer. In such cases, you should not hesitate to contact a doctor. For diseases of the lymphatic system, it is necessary to undergo chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Also, the cause of swelling and pain in the lymph node under the arm can be autoimmune diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis). With such pathologies, joint pains and rashes on the face are noted. The 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
In this disease, the lymph node becomes inflamed and suppurates. There is pain under the armpits in women when you press on the affected area. The cause of inflammation is the penetration of infection.
First, there is a small painful lump under the skin. Then the affected area turns dark red and becomeshot to the touch. The pain syndrome is very pronounced. In the future, a white head appears on the inflamed skin. This symptom indicates the maturation of the abscess. The abscess usually breaks on its own, after which the pain disappears and relief comes.
Lymphadenitis is also accompanied by the following symptoms:
- temperature increase;
- deterioration in general condition;
- chill.
This pathology is treated by a surgeon. Oral antibiotics are prescribed, as well as local antibacterial ointments, which accelerate the breakthrough of the abscess. In severe cases, the inflamed lymph node is opened and drained.
Hydradenitis
Pain under the right arm in women (as, in fact, under the left) can be a sign of hydradenitis. In the people this disease is called "bitch's udder". The pathology is similar in its manifestations to lymphadenitis, but with hydradenitis, it is not the lymph node that becomes inflamed, 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 bump appears. This education is extremely painful. Within 10-15 days, an abscess is formed, which later breaks through on its own.
Quite often, not one sweat gland, but several at once, is subject to inflammation and suppuration. Multiple painful formations appear under the armpit. Hydradenitis is accompaniedthe following additional symptoms:
- high temperature;
- 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 to avoid recurrence of inflammation.
Mastalgia
Aching underarm pain in women may be due to hormonal fluctuations during the monthly cycle. This symptom complex is called mastalgia. The pains are intermittent. They occur in the second phase of the menstrual cycle, shortly before the onset of menstruation.
Pain is localized in the region of the mammary glands and is noted both on the right and on the left side. Unpleasant sensations radiate to the axillary region. Most often they are expressed unsharply and do not cause any particular inconvenience. However, in some cases, the pain syndrome can be quite intense.
Mastalgia is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- breast engorgement in the second half of the menstrual cycle;
- small enlargement of axillary lymph nodes (in rare cases);
- disappearance of pain after the onset of menstruation;
- mood swings (irritability, tearfulness).
This symptom complex is notis a pathology. Under the influence of natural hormones, the patient's mammary glands are engorged and lymph outflow worsens. This leads to pain syndrome.
Mastalgia is noted in many women throughout the reproductive period. This symptom disappears only during menopause. However, if during menopause the patient undergoes a course of hormone replacement therapy, then she may experience cyclic chest pains radiating to the axillary region.
What should I do if my armpit pain is bothering me before my period? In women, slight discomfort during this period is considered a natural phenomenon. However, if the pain syndrome is severe 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 shown, this will help normalize the outflow of lymph. Women suffering from mastalgia are advised to limit fluid intake.
Breast tumors
The cause of pain under the arm in women can be oncological pathologies of the mammary glands. At an early stage, the tumors do not manifest themselves in any way and are asymptomatic. Neoplasms are detected by chance during a mammogram. The appearance of pain indicates an advanced stage of the disease.
Pain is localized in the region of the mammary glands and radiates to the armpit from the side of the lesion. Unlike mastalgia, the pain syndrome is permanent and is not associated with the monthly cycle. On palpation, a denseeducation in the chest and in the armpit.
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 breast, not associated with lactation.
- Changes the color of the skin in the area of the affected mammary gland. The epidermis becomes uneven and resembles a lemon peel in appearance.
- Chest looks swollen and deformed.
- Axillary and supraclavicular lymph nodes often increase.
First, there is a slight aching pain under the armpit 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 armpit, which can spread to the upper limb.
Conservative methods of treatment are effective only at the earliest stages of pathology. If the patient has a pronounced pain syndrome, then this usually indicates a significant growth of the neoplasm. In these cases, the treatment of breast cancer can only be surgical.
Sebaceous cyst
Pain under the arm of a woman (on the right or on the 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 armpit is rich in sebaceous glands. A cyst is formed as a result of their blockage. This is facilitated by poor hygiene, excessive sweating, the abuse of fattyfood and certain medications. Atheroma refers to benign neoplasms. But in rare cases, it can develop into a dangerous tumor.
In the initial stages, atheroma is not accompanied by pain and does not cause any particular inconvenience to the patient. However, the cyst easily becomes infected and suppurates. With the penetration of bacteria on the surface of the neoplasm, a white head is formed. Pain under the arm on the right or left usually appears at the stage of atheroma suppuration.
Abscess matures 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 along 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 on your own. At home, it is impossible to completely remove the cyst along with the capsule, but it is very easy to infect the resulting wound.
Herpes zoster
Pain on the right under the armpit and in the ribs can be a sign of herpes zoster. This disease affects women who have had chickenpox in the past. The causative agent of pathology (Herpes zoster virus) remains forever in the human body. Its repeated activation leads to the appearance of shingles.
The virus attacks the nerve endings. At the beginning of the disease, aching pains appear under the armpit and in the region of the ribs. Then pink spots form on the skin. After a few days, they turn into bubbles filled with liquid. The patient has a fever andfeeling worse. The pains sharply increase, become burning and unbearable.
Patients are prescribed antiviral drugs ("Acyclovir", "Famvir"), as well as painkillers ("Diclofenac", "Ibuprofen"). For the treatment of skin rashes, antiherpetic ointments are used ("Zovirax", "Herpetad", "Vivorax").
It is important to remember that a patient with shingles can transmit the virus to others by airborne droplets or contact. In an infected person, the disease proceeds in the form of chicken pox.
Allergy
Pain under the arms of a woman (right or left - it doesn't matter) can be triggered by the use of deodorants. Allergic reactions are observed in women with individual intolerance to the components of perfumes.
When allergic to the epidermis formed red spots, irritation and itching. The skin in the armpit area is especially delicate, so rashes are often accompanied by pain. Patients are shown oral and topical use of antihistamines. During treatment, it is necessary to temporarily stop using deodorants.
Most often this reaction is caused by deodorants containing s alts of zinc and aluminum. Allergy sufferers should avoid these products.
Muscle pain
Drawing pain under the arm in women may be associated with trauma. The muscles and ligaments in this area are verysubject to stretching. They can be easily damaged by heavy lifting, sudden hand movements, and even uncomfortable body positions during sleep.
When the axillary muscles and ligaments are stretched, the pain syndrome is permanent and increases with movement and pressure. 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 heal tissues (Diclofenac, Lyoton, Voltaren). At the recovery stage, therapeutic exercises and physiotherapy are shown.
Diagnosis
Which doctor should I contact if a woman has pain under her arm? Right or left discomfort is felt - 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 narrow specialist.
To clarify the etiology of the pain syndrome, the patient may be prescribed the following examinations:
- blood test for pituitary and ovarian hormones;
- test for tumor markers;
- MRI;
- shoulder x-ray;
- mammography;
- Breast ultrasound;
- blood test for antibodies to infections;
- dopplerography of lymphatic vessels;
- biopsy of an enlarged lymph node;
- blood test for immunoglobulin E (if allergy is suspected).
Select the necessaryresearch methods depend on the proposed 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 trouble in the body.
If the pain syndrome is very pronounced, then the following measures can be taken at the pre-medical stage:
- Take an anti-inflammatory pain reliever like Ibuprofen.
- For injuries, you can apply cold to the armpit.
- If the pain under the armpits is caused by irritation of the epidermis, then you can apply Bepanten ointment or Rescuer balm to the inflamed skin. However, such remedies are not recommended for inflammation of the lymph nodes or sweat glands.
Immediately before visiting a doctor, do not take large doses of pain medication. This can blur the clinical picture and make it difficult to make a diagnosis.
Prevention
To prevent the appearance of pain in the armpit, the following recommendations must be observed:
- Use only hypoallergenic hygiene products (soap, deodorants).
- Keep your armpits clean.
- Avoid excessive exposure to heat,as it encourages sweating.
- Shave the hairs in the armpit very carefully. Even small cuts and scrapes can become a gateway for infection.
- During the second phase of the menstrual cycle, you should not drink large amounts of liquid. This will help avoid mastalgia.
Women over 40 should have an annual mammogram and have their blood tested for tumor markers. At this age, the risk of breast cancer increases. Regular examinations will help prevent the development of dangerous tumors.
