What Causes Pain in the Underarm Lymph Nodes?
Underarm lymph node swelling caused by an infection or other illness can also cause pain, according to WebMD. Lymph nodes located in the groin, behind the ears, at the back of the head or under the jaw may also swell. Other symptoms of swollen lymph nodes include a lump and warm skin over the swollen area, as well as symptoms from the infection, such as a fever or sore throat, that caused the swelling.
People who notice a hard underarm lump that produces no pain and does not move should see a doctor to rule out other causes of the lump, explains WebMD. Lymph nodes larger than 1 inch or stay swollen for longer than a month also merit a doctor visit. People who experience a high fever, night sweats, weight loss, or difficulty swallowing or breathing along with swollen lymph nodes should seek immediate medical attention. Women with any lump in their armpit should schedule an appointment with their doctor because it could be a sign of breast cancer, instructs the New York Times.
Treatment for swollen lymph nodes relies on addressing the underlying cause, notes WebMD. Once the body recovers from being sick, the lymph nodes should shrink to their normal size. People with swollen lymph nodes should apply a warm, wet compress over the swelling and take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug to manage any pain.
