Could armpit pain be a sign of breast cancer?

Most of the time, breast cancer does not cause pain early on, and many types of armpit pain come from causes that are not cancer. For example, muscle strain, infection, or inflammation in the armpit can cause a sharp or dull ache. In some cases, though, breast cancer can spread to the lymph nodes in the armpit area, which might cause discomfort or pain. One study looked at arm pain in patients with breast cancer and noted that changes in pain can sometimes be related to cancer spreading. Another important point is that a delay in seeking help often happens because people do not know the symptoms of breast cancer very well. This is why it is important to be aware of any changes, like a new lump, swelling, or pain in the armpit or breast. Although armpit pain by itself is not a strong sign of breast cancer, if you notice this pain along with other unusual symptoms, you can use a free symptom checker to help assess your symptoms before talking to your doctor for a full evaluation.