Ask Me Help Desk - Could it be cancer?

About a month ago, for some unknown reason my armpits became very itchy. I dismissed it as maybe just having razor burn or something. Then about a week ago, I noticed a lump in my left armpit and since then a couple more have popped up around it. Then just this morning, I felt a lump on my right armpit. These lumps are very hard and tender, and I know they are not pimples because there are no heads on them and they are not bug bites because there are no openings of the skin anywhere. No skin discoloration either, besides it from being red because I scratch it when it itches. My boyfriend says it is just an infection and it will go away if I stop scratching. I know that a self breast exam for cancer involves the arm pit too, so should I be worried and go see a doctor, or listen to my boyfriend and shrug it off?

I have itchy armpits from time to time. Usually, I end up scratching like crazy. Then I end up getting the kind of bumps that you have, I think this is because I have irritated my lymph nodes because of my scratching. Mine bumps have normally have gone away after a few days. The bumps have caused great concern for me, just like they have for you.

I would say make sure that the area is as clean as possible. I don't know if you have done this, but also, if you might have been using a different deodorant than usual, you might want to discontinue using it. I think that changing deodorants has been some of my problem. Another thing, is that if you shave your armpits, you might want to quit doing that for a little while. If you do shave your armpits, maybe you have been using a different razor or solution for lubrication for the shaving? I have also found that some types of new clothing can also cause irritation to my armpits in such a way that I will want to scratch them a lot. I quit wearing the clothing that was causing the irritation.

Just some thoughts based upon my experience...

If the bumps don't go away in a few days after trying the above, then it would be best to see a physician.

Go to your ob. I had the same thing happen (I thought they were ingrown hairs) and they turn out to be cysts. You have to have them surgically removed (outpatient). It didn't hurt a bit. There is a little scar, but no problem since.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rpg219

I had the same thing happen (I thought they were ingrown hairs) and they turn out to be cysts.

This could be possible also.