Could swollen lymph nodes cause a female’s pain under the right armpit?

Could swollen lymph nodes cause a female’s pain under the right armpit?

Swollen (enlarged) lymph nodes in the axilla (armpit) are a common source of discomfort and sometimes pain. In women, understanding when a swollen node is benign versus when it warrants further evaluation can help you take appropriate action without unnecessary anxiety.

Anatomy and Function of Axillary Lymph Nodes

• Lymph nodes filter fluid (lymph) and trap bacteria, viruses, and abnormal cells.
• The axilla contains 20–40 lymph nodes that drain the arm, chest wall, and breast tissue.
• When these nodes react to infection or inflammation, they can enlarge and become tender.

How Swelling Leads to Pain

• Capsules around lymph nodes stretch as they fill with immune cells.
• Local inflammation releases chemicals that stimulate pain receptors.
• Pain often worsens with arm movement or pressure on the armpit.

Common Benign Causes

1. Local skin or soft-tissue infections
   • Insect bites, boils, or cellulitis on the arm or chest wall
   • Signs: redness, warmth, fever
2. Upper respiratory infections
   • Colds, flu, throat infections
   • May cause generalized lymph node enlargement
3. Recent vaccinations
   • Vaccines for COVID-19, flu, or tetanus can trigger temporary swelling
4. Minor injuries or muscle strain
   • Pectoral or shoulder muscle overuse
   • Pain often feels deeper in muscle rather than a discrete lump

When to Consider Imaging
According to Ko et al. (2013), imaging can help distinguish benign from suspicious axillary nodes:

• Ultrasound (US)
• Mammography (for breast-related concerns)
• MRI (in select cases)

Features suggesting a benign node on US include:

• Oval shape with an intact fatty hilum
• Thin cortex (<3 mm)
• No abnormal blood flow patterns

Red Flags That Need Prompt Medical Attention
If you have any of the following, speak to a doctor without delay:

• A hard, fixed lump that persists > 2 – 4 weeks
• Rapidly growing node
• Unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or persistent fevers
• Significant breast changes (nipple discharge, skin dimpling)
• Widespread lymph node enlargement (neck, groin)

Less Common—but Serious—Causes
• Breast cancer metastasis to axillary nodes
• Lymphoma (Hodgkin’s or non-Hodgkin’s)
• Tuberculosis or other systemic infections

Other Possible Causes of Right-Side Armpit Pain in Women

• Muscular strain (rotator cuff, chest wall)
• Referred pain from rib injury or gallbladder disease
• Shingles (herpes zoster) before rash appears
• Hidradenitis suppurativa (chronic inflammatory skin condition)

Assessing Your Symptoms at Home
Ask yourself:

• Do I have fever, chills, or signs of infection?
• Is the lump moveable or fixed in place?
• Am I experiencing any breast changes?
• Does arm movement make it worse or better?

If you’re unsure, consider doing a free, online “symptom check for pain under right armpit female” to help clarify your next steps.

When to Seek In-Person Care
• Severe, worsening pain that limits arm use
• Signs of systemic infection (high fever, feeling unwell)
• Lymph node > 2 cm or continuously enlarging
• Any red flags listed above

What to Expect at Your Doctor’s Visit

• Physical exam of the armpit, breast, and nearby lymph node regions
• Blood tests (complete blood count, inflammatory markers)
• Imaging (ultrasound, mammogram, MRI if indicated)
• Possible biopsy if malignancy is suspected

Preventive and Supportive Measures

• Warm compresses to ease discomfort
• Over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen or acetaminophen)
• Rest and elevating the arm when possible
• Treat any obvious skin infections promptly

Key Takeaways

• Yes, swollen lymph nodes can cause a female’s pain under the right armpit.
• Most cases are benign and related to infections or minor injuries.
• Persistent, hard, or rapidly growing nodes need evaluation.
• Imaging (US, mammography, MRI) helps rule out serious conditions (Ko et al., 2013).
• Always “speak to a doctor” about life-threatening or serious red-flag symptoms.

If you experience any severe, persistent, or worrying symptoms, please speak to a doctor as soon as possible. Your health and peace of mind are too important to delay professional evaluation.