When it comes to our health, we often focus on the more obvious signs—fevers, persistent coughs, or unexplained weight loss. However, certain subtle symptoms can also serve as early indicators of more severe health issues, especially when it comes to cancer. One doctor, Dr. Ahmed, a UK-based GP, recently took to TikTok to warn young people about a potential health concern that could manifest in an unexpected place: their armpits.
If your find a lump on your armpit, you need to talk to a doctor. (Boy_Anupong/Getty Images)
While many of us wouldn’t typically think of our armpits as a place to look for warning signs, Dr. Ahmed explains that there is one key thing to watch for. This simple sign could indicate a much larger problem, such as Hodgkin lymphoma, a common type of cancer in young people.
Why Your Armpits Matter: Early Signs of Hodgkin Lymphoma
Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is a crucial part of your immune system. It targets lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell responsible for helping the body fight infections. These cells become abnormal and start to multiply uncontrollably, clustering in the lymph nodes and causing noticeable lumps.
Dr. Ahmed explains, “One of the most common cancers in young people is Hodgkin lymphoma. This type of cancer often presents with lumps or swelling in areas of the body where there are lymph nodes—such as your neck, groin, or armpits.”
How Hodgkin Lymphoma Affects the Body
Hodgkin lymphoma affects the lymphatic system, which is responsible for filtering harmful substances and fighting infections. When the lymphocytes become cancerous, they form lumps in lymph nodes, which can show up anywhere in the body.
According to the UK organization Blood Cancer, these abnormal cells can cluster together, leading to swollen glands that don’t go away. The most common areas for these lumps are the neck and chest, but they can also appear in your armpits or groin. These swollen lymph nodes are often painless, which is why they can be easy to overlook.
Key Symptoms to Watch For
So, what should you be looking for in your armpits? Dr. Ahmed explains that an enlarged lymph node that remains swollen for more than four to six weeks is a major warning sign. This swelling could be an early indication of Hodgkin lymphoma, and catching it early could make all the difference in treatment outcomes.
Other symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma include:
- Persistent fever
- Night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent cough or breathlessness
- Fatigue
- Unexplained bruising
If you notice any of these symptoms in combination with a swollen lymph node, especially in the armpit or other areas, it’s important to seek medical advice immediately.
Why Early Detection Matters
Hodgkin lymphoma, when detected early, has a much better prognosis than many other cancers. Early diagnosis allows for more effective treatment, which can significantly improve the chances of remission. Dr. Ahmed stresses the importance of paying attention to your body and not ignoring lumps that don’t go away.
“If you’ve got one of these, or a lymph node, that’s not going away after four to six weeks, you must get it checked out,” he advises. “This type of cancer has a much better outcome when caught early.”
Why Do Some People Avoid Seeking Medical Help?
Many people, particularly men, are hesitant to visit the doctor, often dismissing symptoms as insignificant or feeling like they’re wasting the doctor’s time. Unfortunately, this avoidance can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, which may worsen the prognosis of serious conditions like Hodgkin lymphoma.
@dra_says Common cancer in younger people. Dont ignore if you have any symptoms. Educational purposes only. #cancer #cancertest #cancerdiagnosis #bloodcancer #lymphoma #hodgkinslymphoma #hodgkinslymphomaawareness #doctor #privatedoctor #privategp #weightloss #fevers #nightsweats #lymphoma #lymphnode #enlargedlymphnode #lump #lumpinneck #chemotherapy #radiotherapy #cancersigns #cancersymptoms ♬ original sound – Dr Ahmed
As one commenter on Dr. Ahmed’s TikTok video shared, “Seek help early. I’m seven years in remission from this. My symptoms were itchy all over, and a lump on the clavicle. Never worry about wasting a doctor’s time.”
Early detection is key, and your health should always come before any worry about being a bother to a doctor. Doctors are there to help, and catching potential cancers early can be life-saving.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you notice a lump under your armpit or anywhere else in your body that lasts longer than a few weeks, it’s essential to get it checked by a healthcare professional. Even if the lump is painless, it could be a sign of a more serious condition like Hodgkin lymphoma.
You should also watch for other symptoms like persistent fatigue, night sweats, or unexpected weight loss. If these are present alongside a swollen lymph node, it’s even more crucial to seek medical advice as soon as possible. The earlier you catch it, the better your chances of successful treatment.
What to Expect If You’re Diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma
If a doctor suspects Hodgkin lymphoma, they will likely recommend several tests, including blood work, biopsies, and imaging scans, to confirm the diagnosis. From there, treatment plans will be discussed based on the stage of the cancer. Common treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of both.
While hearing the word “cancer” is frightening, Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the most treatable types of cancer when caught early. Many people go into remission and live healthy, fulfilling lives after treatment.
Conclusion: Don’t Ignore the Signs
Your health is something that should never be taken for granted. Something as simple as a swollen lymph node under your armpit could be a warning sign of a major health issue like Hodgkin lymphoma. Paying attention to these subtle changes in your body and seeking medical advice when necessary can save your life.
As Dr. Ahmed advises, don’t wait if you notice a lump that doesn’t go away. It’s always better to be safe and have it checked out by a doctor. Early detection makes all the difference in treating serious conditions like cancer. So, keep an eye on your health and listen to your body—it could be giving you important clues that shouldn’t be ignored.
