A lump under the arm is one of the most common signs of underarm cancer. Pain in this area may develop as a cancer symptom as well. An individual with underarm cancer may also develop swollen lymph nodes, discoloration in the area, or puckering of the skin of his underarm. It is important to note, however, that the presence of these symptoms do not always mean a person has cancer.

One of the most common symptoms of underarm cancer is a lump that develops under the arm. The lump may be large or small and appear in any part of the armpit. Unfortunately, some lumps that form as a result of cancer are too small for a person to notice right away. As such, a person may have cancer for some time before the lump grows large enough for him to notice.

Pain under the armpit may also develop as a sign of underarm cancer. Many people are under the misconception that cancer pain is always severe. For this reason, they may ignore minor pains and soreness that could indicate cancer. Since cancer pain may not be severe, especially in its earliest stages, a person may do well to seek a doctor’s evaluation for any underarm pain that lasts for longer than two weeks and is not associated with a known infection or injury. If pain under the underarm is severe, however, immediate medical attention is usually warranted.

Swollen lymph nodes under the arm may also develop as a sign of underarm cancer. Lymph nodes are glands that filter pathogens, wastes, and even cancer cells from the body via the lymphatic system, which is a vital part of a person’s immune system. In some cases, swollen lymph nodes under the arm can be a sign that a person has cancer; the swelling happens as the body tries to fight the cancer cells. Fortunately, swollen lymph nodes in this area do not always indicate underarm cancer. Sometimes swollen lymph nodes are simply a sign that the body is fighting an infection.

Changes in the appearance of the underarm area may also indicate underarm cancer. For example, discoloration of the area may appear as a sign of this type of cancer. Puckering or dimpling of the skin of the underarm may also indicate its presence.

Many times, symptoms that seem to indicate underarm cancer turn out to be the result of other conditions. For example, a person may have a non-cancerous cyst or an irritation that forms because of a razor nick. Since cancer is usually at its most treatable when it is discovered in its early stages, however, a person may do well to seek swift medical assessment for lumps, pains, and other signs of cancer.