What should you know about a lump in the armpit while pregnant?

Pregnancy can make breast tissue fuller and more sensitive, and some people have breast tissue extending toward the armpit. A lymph node may enlarge in response to infection, skin irritation, or inflammation. A lump can also be a presentation of breast cancer or lymphoma, although an armpit lump does not by itself mean either condition.

Tell the clinician how far along the pregnancy is, when the lump appeared, whether it is changing, and whether there are breast, skin, or systemic symptoms. Assessment can be planned with pregnancy in mind, including choosing suitable imaging when needed.

Contact your maternity team, family doctor, or breast clinic for advice about a new or persistent lump. Note its side, size, tenderness, mobility, and relation to breast fullness. Check for skin redness, warmth, nipple changes, discharge, fever, or a recent vaccine or infection, and share this information. Do not massage, squeeze, or repeatedly check it.

Seek prompt care for a rapidly enlarging lump, severe redness or warmth with fever, marked pain, pus, or feeling very unwell. Arrange timely review for a firm or fixed lump, a breast skin or nipple change, bloody discharge, or a lump that remains after an infection settles.

Ask whether the lump could be accessory breast tissue or a lymph node, which examination or imaging is suitable during pregnancy, and how results will be explained. Ask who should review it after delivery if it remains.