Armpit Discomfort - Breast

Sponsor MessageLearnConnectAbout usEnglishEnglishEspañolEnglishLog inDonateBreast Cancer Treatment Side EffectsArmpit DiscomfortArmpit discomfort, including pain, swelling, and a feeling of fullness or numbness, can happen after different surgeries to treat breast cancer.

Updated on January 22, 2025

Sponsor MessageSponsor Message

Armpit discomfort, including pain, swelling, and a feeling of fullness or numbness, can happen after the following surgeries to treat breast cancer:

Sponsor Message

• Sponsor Message

  lumpectomy

• Sponsor Message

  mastectomy

• Sponsor Message

  lymph node removal

Sponsor Message

Some of the nerves in your armpit may be cut during surgery, which can cause numbness. If your surgeon had to move around some of the tissue under the surface of your skin, the area may feel tender and swollen.

Sponsor Message

Your armpit skin is close to your breast, so during radiation your armpit may get irritated and sore while you're being treated. In addition to the radiation, your arm rubbing back and forth on the skin, along with the sweat and hair that's there can make the area more irritated than your breast.

Sponsor Message

Managing armpit discomfort

Sponsor Message

• Sponsor Message

  Use cornstarch instead of deodorant or antiperspirant to reduce friction of your arm rubbing on the skin. For easy application, put some cornstarch into a thin sock or knee-high and tie a knot at the top. Tap the sock gently against your skin.

• Sponsor Message

  Avoid strong soaps, antiperspirants, and deodorants.

• Sponsor Message

  Don't shave your armpit during your radiation treatment.

• Sponsor Message

  Wear loose clothing and try to keep your arm away from your body as much as you can.

• Sponsor Message

  Try applying aloe vera lotion/gel or hydrocortisone cream if your armpit skin is itchy and pink.

• Sponsor Message

  Use warm rather than hot water while showering.

Sponsor Message

Your armpit should feel better after you've recovered from surgery and after you've completed radiation. If you don't get any relief, talk to your doctor about a stronger steroid cream or other measures you can take.

Sponsor Message

When you do start shaving your armpit again, you might want to use an electric razor to reduce the risk of nicks and cuts.

Was this article helpful?YesNoSponsor MessageJoin in the conversation about Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its TreatmentConnect with a supportive community of people discussing thousands of topics in hundreds of forums on our discussion boards. Our community welcomes anyone and everyone diagnosed with breast cancer, concerned about a breast condition, or caring for a loved one affected by breast cancer.Learn more