From the Guidelines
Yes, axillary masses can sometimes feel like fat deposits. Axillary (armpit) masses may include enlarged lymph nodes, lipomas (benign fatty tumors), cysts, or other growths that can mimic the soft, somewhat mobile texture of normal fat tissue. This similarity can make self-assessment challenging. Normal axillary fat typically feels soft, smooth, and symmetrical on both sides, while concerning masses might be firmer, fixed in place, or present on only one side.
Key Considerations
- The differential diagnosis of bilateral axillary masses is broad and includes normal variants, infectious or nonmalignant etiologies, and malignancies 1.
- Axillary US can determine if the mass is solid or cystic, and management of the finding varies depending on the sonographic appearance 1.
- If you discover an unusual lump in your armpit, it's essential to have it evaluated by a healthcare provider, especially if it's new, growing, painful, or accompanied by other symptoms like breast changes, fever, or unexplained weight loss.
Diagnostic Approach
- Your doctor can perform a proper examination and may order imaging tests like ultrasound or mammography to determine the nature of the mass 1.
- The NCCN Panel recommends complete clinical evaluation to assess for other sites of adenopathy and potential non-breast etiologies of adenopathy, and age-appropriate diagnostic imaging (ultrasound with mammogram for those ≥30 years of age; and ultrasound for those <30 years of age) 1.
Importance of Evaluation
- The distinction is crucial because while many axillary masses are benign, some could represent conditions requiring treatment, including infections, inflammatory disorders, or in some cases, malignancies.
- According to the most recent evidence, a thorough evaluation and appropriate imaging are necessary to determine the nature of the axillary mass 1.
From the Research
Axillary Masses and Fat Deposits
- Axillary masses can arise from various tissue components in the axillary region, including breast parenchyma, and can have different aetiologies such as lymphadenopathy, soft tissue tumours, and lesions arising in accessory breast tissue 2.
- Some axillary masses can be composed of fat tissue, such as lipomas, which are benign soft-tissue tumors 3, 4.
- Lipomas in the axillary region can be large and cause symptoms such as pain and nerve compression syndrome, and can be diagnosed using imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging 3.
- The diagnosis of axillary masses can be challenging due to the variety of possible causes, and imaging findings can help in the differential diagnosis of axillary lesions 4, 5.
- A study of 31 patients with isolated axillary masses found that some of the masses were caused by benign conditions such as lipomas, while others were caused by malignant conditions such as occult breast cancer 6.
- Fine needle aspiration biopsy can be used to distinguish between benign and malignant axillary masses, and complete axillary dissection may be indicated in cases of indeterminate neoplasia 6.