Private Armpit/Axilla Ultrasound

If you are experiencing pain, swelling or lumps in your armpit (referred to as the axilla), the quickest, and harmless way to diagnose this issue would be to get an ultrasound.

The armpit is composed of vascular structures such as the artery and vein, nerves and lymph nodes as well as the overlying fat, occasionally accessory breast tissue, skin and subcutaneous glands.

Ultrasound is routinely used for the assessment of the axilla to assess lumps and pain, including in the use of assessing lymph nodes for enlargement and potential involvement in cancer.

Here is an overview of what may be causing lumps and nodules in your armpit, when it’s a good idea to see a doctor, and what an ultrasound procedure involves.

Most lumps are harmless and are usually the result of abnormal tissue growth. However, armpit lumps can be related to a more serious underlying health problem.

You should have your doctor evaluate any unusual lumps you have.

The most common causes of armpit lumps are:

• bacterial or viral infections
• lipomas (typically harmless, benign fat tissue growths)
• a fibroadenoma (a non-cancerous fibrous tissue growth)
• hidradenitis suppurativa
• allergic reactions
• adverse reactions to vaccinations
• fungal infections
• breast cancer
• lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system)
• leukaemia (cancer of the blood cells)
• systemic lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease that targets your joints and organs)

Armpit lumps can occur in men and women of all ages. However, a lump under the arm may indicate breast cancer.

Women should perform monthly breast self-examinations and report any breast lumps to a doctor right away.

For the most accurate results, women should perform breast self-exams about one to three days after your period ends as the breasts undergo hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle and may tend to feel more tender or lumpy during this time – which is considered completely normal during this time.

Another potential cause of armpit lumps in women, which tend to also occur near the breast and groin regions, is hidradenitis suppurativa.

This chronic condition involves clogging and inflammation near the glands of hair follicles in the skin, commonly causing painful boil-like lumps that can fill with pus, leak, and can become infected.

An armpit lump may feel small. In other cases, it may be extremely noticeable. Armpit lumps may be caused by cysts, infection, or irritation due to shaving or antiperspirant use. However, these lumps may also indicate a serious underlying health condition.

Seek medical attention if you have an armpit lump that gradually becomes enlarged, is or isn’t painful, or doesn’t go away.

No significant preparation is required for this test. 

There is no particular type of care required after a Armpit/Axilla Ultrasound. You may resume your regular diet and daily activities unless your doctor advises you differently.

There are no confirmed adverse biological effects on patients or instrument operators caused by exposures to ultrasound at the intensity levels used in diagnostic ultrasound.

But depending on your particular results, the doctor may give you additional or alternative instructions after the procedure.

Many of our patients are concerned that if they come to us for an ultrasound, they won’t be able to go back to public health. That simply is not the case.

Our goal is to give you answers as quickly as possible and get you on the right treatment path fast – no strings attached.

When you come to us, you will be seen by a qualified specialist who can determine if your situation is serious or not that same day.

We don’t want you to wait weeks on end for an appointment because every minute counts when it comes to something as important as your health.

If your situation is serious, our specialist will write to your doctor on the NHS advising them that you need an urgent appointment.