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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes A Growing Cyst Under The Arm?

I have had a dime size cyst under my arm for about 2 years.. In the past couple of days it has become much larger and is very enflamed and sore like a boil. Don t see a defined head yet but looks sort of yellowish in center area. Should I go to doctor to have it lanced or better yet remove the whole thing?
Wed, 29 Jun 2016
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OBGYN,  's  Response
Hello, and I hope I can help you today.

Cysts can form in the underarma and groin from blocked sweat or skin oil glands. If the blocked gland becomes infected, the liquid inside turns green like pus and the tissue around the cyst becomes very red and inflamed.

The cyst will not go away unless it opens, and if there is no head it is unlikely that it will burst soon on it's own. You can try soaking the area with warm wet washcloths or in a tub for 15-20 minutes and see if the skin softens enough that the cysts bursts, but at this point if it does not within a day or so I would recommend seeing a physician to have it lanced. If the area is infected enough, you may require antibiotics by mouth even if the cyst is lanced. There is no reason to remove the gland, the cyst will go away completely on it's own if it is lanced and the infection is treated.

I hope I was able to adequately answer your question today and that my advice was helpful.

Best wishes,

Dr. Brown
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What Causes A Growing Cyst Under The Arm?

Hello, and I hope I can help you today. Cysts can form in the underarma and groin from blocked sweat or skin oil glands. If the blocked gland becomes infected, the liquid inside turns green like pus and the tissue around the cyst becomes very red and inflamed. The cyst will not go away unless it opens, and if there is no head it is unlikely that it will burst soon on it s own. You can try soaking the area with warm wet washcloths or in a tub for 15-20 minutes and see if the skin softens enough that the cysts bursts, but at this point if it does not within a day or so I would recommend seeing a physician to have it lanced. If the area is infected enough, you may require antibiotics by mouth even if the cyst is lanced. There is no reason to remove the gland, the cyst will go away completely on it s own if it is lanced and the infection is treated. I hope I was able to adequately answer your question today and that my advice was helpful. Best wishes, Dr. Brown