Can armpit lumps come and go or change in size?

Yes, armpit lumps can sometimes come and go or change in size, depending on their underlying cause. The behavior of an armpit lump can vary based on the nature of the lump, and the following are some examples of such changes:

1. Infections: Lumps associated with infections, such as abscesses or folliculitis, can often fluctuate in size. They may become larger and more painful during an active infection and reduce in size as the infection resolves.

2. Inflammatory Lumps: Some lumps in the armpit are related to inflammatory conditions like hidradenitis suppurativa. These lumps can be recurrent, with periods of flare-ups where they become larger and more painful, followed by periods of remission when they may decrease in size.

3. Lipomas: Lipomas are generally benign, fatty growths that can form lumps under the skin. They tend to grow slowly over time but may remain relatively stable in size.

4. Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Lymph nodes in the armpit can swell in response to infections or inflammation. Once the underlying cause is treated, the lymph nodes may return to their normal size.

5. Breast-Related Lumps: Lumps in the armpit can be related to breast conditions, such as breast cysts. These cysts can change in size in response to hormonal fluctuations.

It's important to note that while some armpit lumps may be benign and have variable sizes, others can be more concerning, especially if they are associated with breast cancer or other serious medical conditions. Any persistent, changing, or worrisome armpit lump should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.