Armpit Glands

[carol johns]

For a few days now, I´ve felt something bothering me a bit under ONE of my arms: it´s as if one armpit feels fatter when I close my arm towards my body. It´s right under the armpit towards the outer border. I´ve heard of armpit glands and that their swelling could indicate some disease. Is this true? How can I tell if my glands are swollen? There´s no redness or obvious lumps. Only some dryness on the skin.
Thank you for your time.

[Theresa Jones, RN]

Hi carol johns,
Lymph nodes commonly become enlarged as a result of infection because the lymphatic system is the bodies filter for bacteria. Lymph nodes may not return to their pre-infectious size. This is one of the most common reasons for enlargement. However, they do become enlarged for other reasons as well. If you have not experienced a recent illness that would indicate this to be the reason for enlargement I would suggest an evaluation to which a breast exam should be included.
Sincerely,
Rntdj

[carol johns]

Thank you for your response Nurse RNTJD

[DJW]

Hello, i have been having problems for over 6 years with Lymph nodes in my armpits. So far i have had sugery twice under the same arm but it didnt help anything if not made it worse.
Sometimes months will go by without any swelling but sometimes its every couple weeks and usually takes over 3 weeks for the swelling to go down. Even if they arent swollen i can always feel the lumps and if pressed on is painful.

When they become infected its extremely painful and have fever for the first couple days. I have seen 1 surgeon and 2 general doctors but not a specialist. I went to a gland specialist and he said i should see a dermatologist. Besides the surgery its always the same thing they tell me to do, wash with antibacterial soap every night and take antibiotics when they become infected. No one seems to have a cure from all i read online and the doctors ive been to don't either.

[Theresa Jones, RN]

Hi DJW,
There would not be a "cure" for lymph node enlargement and regression because this is the bodies defense system during infectious states. If you are being instructed to use an antibacterial soap then it's likely felt that your enlargement is do to an infection from bacteria. Lymph nodes that enlarge and continue doing so despite treatment are more disconcerting and may indicate a more serious condition.
Sincerely,
Rntdj