Published on: 3/5/2025
Right armpit pain without a lump could be caused by nerve irritation, injury, tight bands of tissue (like in axillary web syndrome), or rarely early signs of other conditions.
There are several reasons you might feel pain in your right armpit even if you do not feel any lump. One possibility is nerve irritation. Some research shows that pain in the armpit may happen when nerves in the upper chest are squeezed or affected. This pain happens even without a visible lump because it is coming from the nerve and not a mass. Another reason can be axillary web syndrome. This is when small bands or cords of tissue form under the skin and cause pain, even if you can’t see or feel a lump. Rarely, pain might be an early sign of other conditions like cancer. In those cases, pain might come before any masses are felt. Each of these reasons causes discomfort in different ways. If you keep feeling this pain or if it gets worse, it is important to talk with a healthcare provider who can help find out exactly why and decide on the best treatment plan for you.
(References)
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.
Welsh P, Gryfe D. Atypical presentation of axillary web syndrome (AWS) in a male squash player: a case report. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2016 Dec;60(4):294-298. PMID: 28065989; PMCID: PMC5178020.
He FJ, Zhang P, Wang MJ, Chen Y, Zhuang W. Left armpit subcutaneous metastasis of gastric cancer: A case report. World J Clin Cases. 2019 Dec 6;7(23):4137-4143. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v7.i23.4137. PMID: 31832419; PMCID: PMC6906569.
We would love to help them too.
For First Time Users
We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.
Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor’s Note is a service for informational purposes, and the provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical practice. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.