Why Does My Right Armpit Hurt and Should I Be Worried?

There are several reasons why your right armpit might hurt. Sometimes, this pain comes from simple things like a pulled muscle or irritation from exercise and daily activities. Another possibility is that the lymph nodes in your armpit, which help fight infections, have become swollen or inflamed. Infections or even changes in the lymphatic system can make these nodes tender. In some cases, research shows that in people with obesity, fat-enlarged lymph nodes have been linked with more serious conditions, like breast cancer that can spread to the lymph nodes. Also, although very rarely, thyroid cancer can travel to these nodes, causing pain. Additionally, conditions like lymphedema (swelling caused by problems with the lymph system) can produce discomfort. If your pain is mild and goes away on its own, it may not be something to worry about. However, if the pain is persistent, gets worse, or if you notice other symptoms like lumps, swelling, or overall feeling unwell, it’s best to talk with your doctor. They can check everything more closely and help decide the best treatment for you.