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Axillary Lump: Meaning, Diagnosis & Treatment

Axillary lumps, or abnormal growths in the armpit area, are usually caused by swollen lymph nodes or other abnormalities. Effective treatment can alleviate discomfort and prevent complications. There are various treatments available for axillary lumps. Breast cancer patients may require a sentinel lymph node biopsy. Individuals with painful axillary lumps, often caused by infections or cysts, also have treatment options. These treatments are tailored to the specific conditions. Consult with the best doctors from Pristyn Care for appropriate advice. Book an appointment for a detailed examination, diagnosis, and effective treatment today.

Axillary lumps, or abnormal growths in the armpit area, are usually caused by ... Read More

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What Is Axillary Lump Treatment?

Axillary lump treatment typically involves surgery to remove lymph nodes or abnormal tissue from the armpit, or axilla region. This procedure is most commonly performed for breast cancer patients to remove cancerous lymph nodes. Also, it is performed to determine if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. In addition, axillary lump surgery can treat other conditions that cause lumps in this region, such as infections or cysts.

The choice of surgical procedure depends on various factors. This includes the size and location of the tumour, the presence of enlarged lymph nodes, and the surgeon’s experience. The surgery is usually performed by a specialised doctor with vast experience treating these conditions. The success rate of axillary lump treatment is high, boasting of promising recovery results.

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What Are the Types of Axillary Lump Treatment?

Three primary types of axillary lump treatment exist, each tailored to different clinical scenarios:

  1. Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB)
    • This procedure involves removing only one or two lymph nodes (sentinel nodes) into which your cancer drains. This helps to check for cancer spread.
    • Before surgery, a radioactive substance or blue dye is used to identify these sentinel nodes.
    • If no cancer is found, no additional lymph nodes are removed.
  2. Axillary Lymph Node Dissection (ALND)
    • This process involves removing numerous lymph nodes from your armpit.
    • It is recommended if a pre-surgery lymph node biopsy shows cancer or if there are concerns about enlarged lymph nodes.
    • In ALND, the surgeon removes the axillary lymph nodes en block, separating them from your lateral thoracic wall.
  3. Axillary Clearance
    • This procedure involves removing all your lymph nodes in the axilla, including levels I-III.
    • It is performed less frequently now than SLNB or ALND but may still be appropriate in certain cases.

Diagnosing Axillary Lumps Before Surgery

When a lump is found in your underarm area, it’s crucial to establish what’s causing it before any treatment. A diagnosis involves several steps including:

  • Physical Examination: The doctor will perform an examination, feeling the lump to assess its shape, size, and texture. Also, they will check if it causes discomfort or pain.
  • Medical History: The nature of the lump can often be linked to your medical history. Therefore, information about recent infections, allergies, or changes in the lump may be required.
  • Diagnostic Tests: Further tests may be administered depending on initial findings, including:
    • Imaging Tests: These include ultrasound scans, CT scans or mammograms which visualise the lump and surrounding structures.
    • Biopsy: A small tissue sample from the lump may be taken to check for cancerous cells or other abnormalities.
    • Blood Tests: A complete blood count (CBC) can help assess overall health and check for signs of infection or other issues.

Understanding the Procedure for Axillary Lump Surgery

The process of axillary lump surgery varies depending on individual circumstances. However, the procedure generally involves the following steps:

  • Anaesthesia: Depending on the extent of the surgery and patient preference, local or general anaesthesia is used to numb the area.
  • Surgical Techniques: The type of surgery used depends largely on the diagnosis:
    • SLNB: This involves the removal of one or more sentinel lymph nodes to check for cancer spread. A dye or radioactive substance identifies these nodes.
    • ALND: If cancer is suspected or confirmed, more lymph nodes may be removed.
    • Cyst or Lipoma Removal: For benign cysts or lipomas, a small incision will be used to excise them.
  • Postoperative Care: Following surgery, patients are monitored for complications. Pain management and wound care instructions will be provided, and follow-up appointments scheduled.

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Who Is the Right Candidate for Axillary Lump Surgery?

The decision to perform axillary lump surgery is based on the patient’s symptoms, the lump’s nature, and their overall health. While each case is unique, certain criteria can determine if someone is a fitting candidate for axillary lump treatment. These criteria include:

  • Progression of Symptoms: Treatment may be necessary if the axillary lump shows noticeable progression in size. It may also be required if the lump is causing discomfort or pain.
  • Diagnostic Results: The results from diagnostic tests, like imaging tests, and blood tests, will provide a clear picture of the lump. These results will help determine if surgical intervention is needed.
  • Impact on Daily Life: If the lump is affecting movement or causing severe discomfort that impedes daily activities, this could necessitate treatment.

What Are the Benefits of Axillary Lump Treatment?

Axillary lump treatment is a valuable option for patients grappling with axillary tail breast lumps or any painful axillary lump. This procedure offers several substantial benefits:

  • Cancer Treatment: Axillary lump surgery, particularly axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), aids in the removal of cancerous lymph nodes. This diminishes the risk of cancer recurrence and assists in staging the disease accurately.
  • Guiding Further Treatment: Information from this operation becomes crucial in planning additional treatments. Your doctor might recommend chemotherapy or radiation based on the surgical results.
  • Symptom Relief: For patients, experiencing symptoms such as pain or discomfort due to the lump, surgery can provide relief.
  • Improved Prognosis: By removing affected lymph nodes, patients battling breast cancer can look forward to better long-term outcomes.

How to Prepare for Axillary Lump Treatment?

Preparing for an axillary lump treatment can seem daunting but keeping a few key steps in mind can ease the process:

  • Preoperative Assessment: Undergo necessary preoperative tests like blood tests and imaging studies. These tests will ensure that you are fit for surgery.
  • Medication Review: If you are on blood-thinning medicines, your doctor may advise you to stop taking them a week before surgery. This precaution helps minimise the risk of bleeding.
  • Follow Instructions: Adhere to any specific instructions provided by your healthcare team about food and drink restrictions before the surgery.

Arrange Support: You might face some movement limitations post-surgery. Therefore, it’s advisable to have someone available to assist you during your recovery period.

What Are the Recovery Tips and Precautions to Follow After Axillary Lump Treatment?

Recovery from an axillary lump treatment requires patience and adherence to certain precautions:

  • Pain Management: Post-surgery, you might experience some discomfort. Stick to prescribed pain management strategies and take medications as directed by your doctor.
  • Wound Care: Maintain the cleanliness of the surgical site. Follow dressing change instructions diligently and keep an eye out for infection signs such as redness, swelling, or discharge.
  • Limit Activities: Avoid heavy lifting and exertive activities for a few weeks post-surgery. Gradually resume your normal activities based on your healthcare provider’s advice.
  • Lymphedema Awareness: After lymph node removal, be vigilant about symptoms of lymphedema (swelling in the arm). Also, follow any preventive measures recommended by your healthcare team.

Potential Risks or Complications Associated with Axillary Lump Treatment

While axillary lump treatment generally has a high success rate, it’s important to be aware of potential risks or complications:

  • Seroma: This is the accumulation of fluid under the skin at the surgical site. It’s common but usually resolves itself in a few weeks.
  • Infection: There is a risk of infection at the incision site, which may necessitate antibiotic treatment.
  • Decreased Mobility: You may experience reduced shoulder mobility post-surgery, which can often be improved with physical therapy.
  • Nerve Injury: Though rare, nerve injury might occur, leading to numbness or tingling in the arm.
  • Lymphedema: The removal of lymph nodes can increase the risk of lymphedema, which may develop shortly after surgery or years later.
  • Breast Edema: If radiation therapy is part of your treatment plan, you may experience swelling in the breast.

Understanding these aspects will empower you to prepare better for axillary lump surgery and manage your recovery more efficiently.

What Is the Cost of Axillary Lump Treatment in India?

The financial burden of axillary lump treatment can be quite variable, with total costs ranging from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 100,000. This disparity in cost is influenced by several factors:

  • Pre and post-surgery tests: These essential evaluations can cost around Rs. 3,500 to Rs. 10,000. This depends on the complexity of the tests and your doctor’s guidance.
  • Surgeon’s and anaesthetist fees: Services from the primary surgeon and anaesthetist can take away Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 35,000 from your pocket.
  • Hospital stay: Ample rest and recovery are crucial after any surgery. The cost of hospital accommodation usually comes to around Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 8,000 per day.
  • Operating room and ICU charges: A well-equipped operation theatre (OT) and an intensive care unit (ICU) are crucial for a successful surgery. This can cost between Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000.

Medications: Post-operative medicines play a significant role in recovery and can cost between Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 8,000.

Is Axillary Lump Treatment Covered Under Insurance?

Yes! Axillary lump treatment generally falls under the coverage provided by health insurance policies in India. These policies recognise that such conditions can greatly impact one’s daily life and overall health. However, it’s crucial to remember that the degree of coverage varies from one policy to another.

Typically, insurance covers operational costs such as surgeon’s fees, anaesthetist charges, and hospitalisation costs. Also, it includes OT expenses and ward charges, as well as necessary medicines during the stay. However, certain tests or treatments may not be covered under the policy.

The insurer might not recognise the assistant surgeon’s fees. Obligations such as excess or co-payments enforced by the policy also apply. Aftercare costs and other hospital charges, including accommodation and medical devices, are additional considerations. Hence, patients must have in-depth discussions with their doctors and insurance providers. It helps to understand what costs they can expect to cover under their policy.

FAQs

1. What causes an axillary lump?

The causes of an axillary lump can range from a simple infection to more serious conditions like cancer. Sweating, allergies, or even shaving can trigger a skin infection that could develop into a lump. Sometimes, it could be due to an abnormal growth in the axillary tail of the breast. A detailed diagnosis will help determine the actual cause.

2. How is an axillary lump diagnosed?

The diagnosis of an axillary lump involves a physical examination by your doctor first. They may also recommend certain tests such as blood tests, ultrasound, mammography or biopsy based on the initial findings. This process is referred to as ‘axillary lump differential diagnosis.’

3. Why does my axillary lump hurt?

Not all axillary lumps are painful. However, if you experience pain, it is because of an infection or inflammation due to a cyst or abscess. Seek medical advice immediately if you have a painful axillary lump.

4. Can axillary lumps disappear on their own?

Some axillary lumps can resolve on their own over time, especially if they are due to infections or allergic reactions. However, if the lump persists or grows over time, consult your doctor for further evaluation and treatment.

5. What is the treatment for an axillary tail breast lump?

The treatment for an axillary tail breast lump depends on its cause. If it’s benign, simple monitoring may be enough. However, if it’s malignant, more aggressive treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy might be needed.

6. How long does recovery take after treatment of an axillary lump?

The recovery time after treatment of an axillary lump varies based on the type of treatment given. For minor surgeries, you may recover within a week or two. However, more invasive treatments may require several weeks of recovery.

7. What is the success rate of axillary lump treatment?

The success rate of axillary lump treatment largely depends on the cause of the lump. Generally, benign lumps have a high success rate with treatment. However, for cancerous lumps, the success rate depends on the stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis.

8. Can lymphoma cause an axillary lump?

Yes, lymphoma, which is a type of cancer affecting lymph nodes, can cause a lump in your armpit or axillary area. If you notice a persistent lump in your armpit, it’s important to consult your doctor for further evaluation.

9. How can one possibly prevent the occurrence of axillary lumps?

While you cannot always prevent an axillary lump, regular self-examinations can help detect them early. Maintaining good hygiene, eating a healthy diet, staying active and timely medical check-ups are advisable for overall health and well-being.

10. Can axillary lumps reoccur after successful treatment?

Yes, axillary lumps can reoccur after successful treatment, especially if they are associated with conditions like recurrent infections, cysts or cancer. Regular follow-up appointments with your doctor are crucial to monitor your health and detect any potential recurrences.

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