An armpit lump is the enlargement of one of the lymph nodes under your armpit. Lymph nodes play a very important role in maintaining your body’s immune system. These are oval-shaped small glands that are located throughout the body. Sometimes the lump may feel very small and go unnoticeable. However, there are occasions when the lump may become large and noticeable.
These lumps may be the result of an antiperspirant you used or an after shaving lotion. It could be the result of cysts or any infection in your body. You need to go for a medical check-up if the lumps become large, do not pain, and stay for a longer period of time. Here are some of the causes of lump in armpit:
Causes of armpit lumps
In most of the cases, lump in the armpit is a harmless issue which happens due to abnormal tissue growth and generally goes away with time. However, there are certain instances that may indicate a more serious underlying medical issue. Let’s have a look at some of them:
- An adverse reaction to vaccinations
- A response to breast cancer
- A fibroadenoma (non-cancerous fibrous tissue growth)
- Bacterial or viral infections
- Leukemia (cancer of the blood cells)
- Lupus (a disease that targets your joints and organs)
- Lipomas (harmless fat tissue growths)
- Allergic reactions
- Fungal infections
- Lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system)
Diagnosis of armpit lumps
A thorough physical examination is needed in order to diagnose a lump in the armpit. Your doctor might ask you several questions or massage the area of the lump in order to find its texture. In some instances, the physical examination will prove that the lump is not harmful. In such cases, you don’t need any additional treatment. However, if the case is different and the doctor assesses by the primary examination that there is a need for additional treatment then, he/she might recommend that as well.
Test for armpit lumps
Based on your primary physical examination of the lump in the armpit, the doctor may ask you to do some tests so that he/she could rule out any serious underlying disease. These tests include:
- Complete blood count
- Chest or breast X-ray
- Biopsy
- Allergy testing
If you have a lump under your armpit then you should not worry because normally it will go away. However, going to a doctor will be beneficial because in this way you will be certain that you don’t have any hidden disease.
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FAQ’s on Social Security account answered
Read moreCreating a ‘my Social Security’ account not only helps you plan for your retirement, but it also has numerous practical benefits too. Prime among them are requesting for a Social Security card replacement and checking the status of your application/ appeal. Creating ‘my Social Security’ account is the first step in the process of applying for a Social Security card replacement online.
In case you’ve lost the card, a replacement may be needed in few instances where you need to show the card. In most cases, as long as you remember the number and quote it correctly, it’s enough. If you feel a replacement card is a must, ssa.gov website has all the pertinent information on procuring one.
To apply for a replacement card:
- The first step is getting the necessary documents in order. You are required to provide a document that proves your identity (driver’s license, passport or any state issued ID proof). All documents have to be originals or copies certified by the issuing agency.
- Fill the application (SS-5) and along with the original documents, send it by mail to your local office.
- The replacement card is delivered within ten business days.
Pertinent facts on card replacement:
- Your Social Security card can be replaced up to 10 times in your lifetime and up to 3 times in a year.
- These limits do not apply to legal name changes and modifications in immigration status.
- If you can prove that the card is needed to prevent a significant hardship (victim of domestic violence or identity theft), the limit is not applicable.
In growing number of states, a replacement request can be placed online as long as you’re not seeking a name change or any other change in your card. It is a safe and convenient process, and the information you enter is protected. Built in features can confirm your identity and detect fraud. Once the account is set up, just follow the simple steps listed to apply for a replacement card.
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Sjogren’s Syndrome- Causes and Symptoms
Read moreWith the progress in medical science, people are hoping that one day, even the most formidable of the diseases can be cured. When we know what causes that particular disease, only then can an antidote for the same be developed. There are still a plethora of diseases the cause of which is yet to be determined. However, though we are supposed to lead our lives with such long-term diseases, we can definitely take measures to control it.
Sjogren’s syndrome is one such disorder that the affected person has to learn to coexist with for their lifetime.
What is Sjogren’s Syndrome?
Sjogren’s Syndrome is an autoimmune disease that affects an individual when their immune system goes haywire and starts attacking the normal cells in the body instead of the bacteria and viruses that pose as the real threat. It is a lifelong disease, and since there is no proper method to cure Sjogren’s Syndrome completely, people resort to methods to adapt and coexist with the disease. Usually, Sjorgen’s Syndrome accompanies other autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.What are the causes of Sjogren’s Syndrome?
Though the causes of Sjogren’s Syndrome remain a mystery, it has been identified that some bacteria or virus is known to trigger this disorder. It disrupts the functioning of the immune system, causing the white blood cells to attack healthy cells especially in the glands that produce saliva and tears. Even though the cause of Sjogren’s Syndrome remains unknown, the symptoms of the same become more prominent unless they are treated.What are the symptoms of Sjogren’s Syndrome?
- As mentioned earlier, Sjogren’s Syndrome causes the immune system to attack healthy cells and glands that produce saliva. As a consequence of the same, the production of saliva is affected. The individual suffering from Sjogren’s Syndrome experiences dryness in the mouth. The mouth has a chalky feeling, and he may experience trouble chewing and swallowing food. Also, the dryness of the mouth results in yeast infections.
- Sjorgen’s Syndrome also affects the glands that produce tears. This will leave the eyes dry. Dry eyes are more prone to burning and itching sensation. Unless this condition is treated with eye drops and other medications, it will affect the person’s cornea. If left untreated for quite some time, it can have an adverse impact on one’s vision.
- The effect of Sjogren’s Syndrome isn’t limited to the mouth and eyes; it can affect other parts of the body such as throat, skin, lips or nose. Also, since the immune system wages war against the glands in the body, there are chances that the glands in the face and neck might swell up.