Painful lumps in the armpit area generally result from reactive lymph nodes (a benign condition). However, if these lumps fail to resolve over a period of 4 to 6 weeks, or if they continue to enlarge, then biopsy may become necessary to rule-out lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes), or metastatic cancer from other sites (in most cases, however, these malignant conditions are generally not painful, particularly during early stages of disease).
Sincerely/ Robert A. Wascher, MD, FACS
http://doctorwascher.com
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