What causes a painful underarm lump during pregnancy?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 35 years old, and I am 11 weeks pregnant. My concern is that I have a small, painful lump or boil-like thing in my underarm, which is present under my skin. But it is painful when I press it.

The skin over the lump is also slightly swollen. Hormonal changes that happen during pregnancy can cause this, or is it due to the fibroadenoma that I have in my left breast at the 2 o’clock position?
I have had this small-sized fibroadenoma in my left breast for the past two years, and it will cause pain sometimes. So, is the swelling in my underarm due to heat boils or any other major issue?

When I showed it to my gynecologist last year, she said it was not of concern. But I am worried because my mother-in-law has been diagnosed with breast cancer four months ago.

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

The swelling could be a lymph node or a boil. Pregnancy lowers the immune system, and sometimes, a boil develops.

I would suggest you take a course of antibiotics (Amoxicillin); if it is a boil, it will most likely resolve.

However, if it persists, your breast lump and swelling in your underarm would need to be evaluated to be sure it has not undergone any cancerous change.

Please consult a physician, discuss with them, and start taking the medications with their consent.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards.