Axillary Swellings
The great majority of axillary swellings are enlarged lymph nodes. Axillary nodes are often enlarged due to secondary deposits from carcinoma of the breast. Most axillary swellings are easily diagnosed on clinical examination alone.
History
Superficial
Acute abscess
This presents as a tender swelling in the skin. There may be a purulent discharge. Common in diabetics.
Sebaceous cyst
A sebaceous cyst will present as a firm swelling in the skin, often with a punctum. It may be tender if it becomes inflamed and there may be discharge from it.
Lipoma
This presents as a soft, lobulated swelling in the subcutaneous tissue.
Deep
Lymphadenopathy (p. 321)
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