This is a sign many women overlook. The area under the arm contains lymph nodes that help the body fight infection. These nodes can swell temporarily due to minor illnesses, which is common and usually harmless.
However, a lump or swelling in the armpit that does not go away deserves evaluation.
It may feel firm or tender, or it may not cause any discomfort at all. Because breast tissue extends into this area, changes there can be connected to breast health.
Only a medical exam and appropriate imaging can determine what is happening. Ignoring a persistent lump is never the best option.
4. A New Lump in the Breast
Not all breast lumps are cancerous. In fact, many are benign cysts or areas of dense tissue. Still, any new lump that feels different from the surrounding area should be examined by a healthcare professional.
Self-awareness does not replace medical care, but it often prompts women to seek it sooner.