What should you know about melanoma armpit?

The armpit contains skin, hair follicles, sweat glands, fatty tissue, and lymph nodes. A melanoma may begin in an armpit mole or nearby skin, while a lump may reflect infection, irritation, a cyst, or another condition. Melanoma can also spread to regional lymph nodes, but an armpit lump does not by itself identify the cause. The clinician will consider whether the lump is tender, mobile, firm, growing, or associated with a skin change, then choose examination, imaging, biopsy, or lymph-node testing when appropriate.

Check both armpits and the surrounding chest and upper arm for a new or changing mark. Note when a lump appeared, whether it changes with illness or shaving, and whether there is drainage, fever, or arm swelling. Avoid repeatedly squeezing a lump or applying harsh products before assessment. If melanoma is confirmed, treatment may involve surgical removal, sentinel lymph node biopsy, or medicines chosen according to staging.

Arrange a prompt appointment for a lump that persists, grows, feels firm, or appears without an obvious short-lived cause, especially alongside a changing skin lesion. Seek urgent care for rapidly enlarging swelling, redness with fever, severe pain, sudden arm swelling, or breathing difficulty. A clinician can separate a local skin problem from a lymph-node concern and arrange the right next test.

Ask whether the lump seems to arise from skin or a lymph node, which tests are suitable, whether a skin mark needs biopsy, and what changes should prompt earlier review.