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Published on: 3/5/2025

What Does It Mean When Your Armpit Hurts Without Any Other Symptoms?

When your armpit hurts but you don't have other symptoms, it might just be a small issue like a mild infection or muscle strain, though sometimes it could be a sign of something more that needs checking.

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Explanation

Sometimes, people feel pain in their armpit even when nothing else seems wrong. One possibility is that the lymph nodes in your armpit, which help fight off germs, can get a little swollen or tender. This is called adenopathy. A small infection or even mild irritation can make these nodes feel sore, even if you don't feel sick elsewhere. In rare instances, the pain could be related to problems with the nerves in that area or early signs of something like a tumor. However, if you only have armpit pain and no other symptoms such as fever, unusual lumps, or skin changes, it is usually not a sign of a serious illness. Many issues that cause isolated pain are temporary and harmless. Still, if the pain continues for a long time, over 2 weeks, becomes worse, or if you develop other changes, it's important to talk to a doctor. They can examine you closely and decide if any tests or treatments are needed to keep you healthy.

(References)

  • Maini R, Nagalli S. Adenopathy. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet].

  • Rubin DI, Shuster EA. Axillary pain as a heralding sign of neoplasm involving the upper thoracic root. Neurology. 2006 Jun 13;66(11):1760-2. doi: 10.1212/01.wnl.0000218165.93659.6c. PMID: 16769959.

  • Yardimci VH, Yardimci AH. An Unusual First Manifestation of Hodgkin Lymphoma: Epitrochlear Lymph Node İnvolvement-A Case Report and Brief Review of Literature. J Investig Med High Impact Case Rep. 2017 Apr 27;5(2):2324709617706709. doi: 10.1177/2324709617706709. PMID: 28508005; PMCID: PMC5415053.

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