From the Guidelines
Inflamed axillary lymph nodes are a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention to rule out underlying conditions such as breast cancer or lymphoma, and to prevent potential complications like lymphedema, which can significantly impact quality of life 1.
Causes and Risks
The inflammation of axillary lymph nodes, also known as lymphadenitis, can be caused by a variety of factors including infections, injuries, or more serious conditions like cancer. According to the American Cancer Society/American Society of Clinical Oncology breast cancer survivorship care guideline, patients who undergo breast surgery and/or radiation are at risk for lymphedema, a condition characterized by arm, breast, or chest wall swelling due to blockage of lymphatic fluid 1.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms of inflamed axillary lymph nodes may include pain, swelling, and discomfort in the armpit area. If the lymph node is very painful, continues to enlarge, feels hard or fixed in place, or if you experience fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or the swelling persists beyond 2 weeks, you should seek medical attention immediately 1.
Treatment and Management
For mild cases, home treatment with warm compresses and over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help manage symptoms. However, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment. In cases where lymphedema is a concern, supervised, slowly progressive resistance training may be recommended to reduce the likelihood of arm swelling and improve symptoms 1.
Prevention
Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding heavy lifting with the affected arm can also help prevent lymphedema. Additionally, patients with lymphedema should be aware of the risk of cellulitis and seek prompt treatment with antibiotics if symptoms occur 1.
Key Takeaways
- Inflamed axillary lymph nodes require immediate medical attention to rule out underlying conditions.
- Lymphedema is a potential complication of breast cancer treatment and can significantly impact quality of life.
- Supervised resistance training and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent and manage lymphedema.
- Patients with lymphedema should be aware of the risk of cellulitis and seek prompt treatment if symptoms occur.
From the Research
Axillary Lymph Node Inflammation
- Axillary lymph node status is a crucial prognostic factor in breast cancer patients, and accurate assessment of axillary lymph node involvement is essential for staging and treatment decisions 2.
- Inflamed axillary lymph nodes can be evaluated using various imaging modalities, including ultrasound, MRI, and 18F-FDG-PET/CT, which can help determine the presence of metastases and guide treatment decisions 3.
Diagnostic Methods
- Ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy (US-CNB) is a valuable method for evaluating axillary lymph nodes, with a high accuracy rate and no significant complications 4.
- US-CNB has been shown to be superior to ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (US-FNA) in diagnosing axillary nodal metastases, with a higher sensitivity and specificity 5.
- MRI has also been found to have a slightly better diagnostic performance than ultrasound and 18F-FDG-PET/CT in detecting axillary lymph node metastases 3.
Imaging Modalities
- Axillary ultrasound (AUS) has a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 62% in detecting axillary lymph node metastases 3.
- MRI has a sensitivity of 86.1% and a specificity of 75% in detecting axillary lymph node metastases 3.
- 18F-FDG-PET/CT has a sensitivity of 78% and a specificity of 53% in detecting axillary lymph node metastases 3.
- The use of multiple imaging modalities together can improve the accuracy of axillary lymph node evaluation 3.