What are the possible causes of a swollen Axillary lymph node?

Question

I'm pretty sure that's what it is. I have had this small lump in my armpit for 2 months now. Its pea sized and usually causes me no pain. What is it? My mom won't take me to the doctor because she says its just a fat deposit. I can't take myself there because I'm only 14.

Answer 1

"Mistify" may be right about a cyst, but if it is in the skin it should move when you move the skin. You should be able to pinch it if it is in the dermis. Lymph nodes are much deeper - below the skin. You can move the skin over them. A non-tender node in the axilla probably means you had an infection in that arm or hand some time ago. I have one in my left axilla from a serious finger infection over 30 years ago. It has not changed in decades. When I see my regular doctors for check ups, they never find it - but I can find it. We tend to know our own bodies.
Your "small lump" has not changed in two months and it is usually non tender. Tenderness implies an active infection. Non tender nodes worry us about malignancy but NOT in a 14 year old - at least this would be much more rare than a benign cause. You don't see breast cancer very often at age 14. I never saw one this young in 20 years as a cancer and leukemia specialist doctor. Lymphomas are also quite rare in this situation. The people who suggest seeing a doctor are playing it safe. As a doctor who has evaluated this problem many times, we cannot tell what it is for sure without a biopsy. You are smart enough to use the word axilla instead of "armpit", so I respect your ability to monitor this yourself. If it does not hurt and never changes, the "test of time" will prove that it is benign. The test of time is a good one if you are diligent about checking. If this is causing you anxiety or discomfort, insist that your parents take you to a physician.
RC MD

Answer 2

Your lymphnodes can be swollen due to a current or previous infection, or it could be a more sinister process. At the age of 14, we must say that hormones may also play a role (ie, it could also be a cyst, etc)

It really is best to have it checked by a physician...however, continue to monitor it, and if it enlarges or becomes painful, be sure to tell your mom that it has changed and you should be taken to a doctor.

Answer 3

It's hard to say what it could be, your mom should take you just to be sure. Is your mom a doctor? If not, then she needs to be more responsible about your health since you rely on her still being only 14 years old. Do you have a father that you could ask or another older adult family member that you feel comfortable talking to?