I'm Scared.

[cassdee128]

My dad has a large (a little smaller than a golf ball), PAINLESS lump under his right armpit.  I am wondering if anyone knows what it is?  

[AnnieBrooke]

No.  He said when the doctor drained it, it smelled like sweat.

But seriously, it could be ANYTHING that is in the underarm area.  Something totally dumb or something that should be taken care of right away.  Don't let my anecdotal stories make you think this is a diagnosis.  He needs to go to a doctor and get his own diagnosis.

[cassdee128]

Thanks, that helped a lot.  
Did your husbands hurt when he had it there?

[AnnieBrooke]

An example of something not serious that could manifest in that area is a blocked sweat gland.  My husband had that once.  It didn't make a lump the size of a golf ball, but if he had delayed on getting it looked at, I dunno, maybe it would have.  So don't be frightened, just urge and encourage him to go and get it looked at.

[AnnieBrooke]

Sweetheart, it could be something totally no big deal, but it should be checked out.  For sure if it IS serious and he does nothing about it, he's asking for difficulties.  

[cassdee128]

Does that mean it could be really bad?  like death..?

[AnnieBrooke]

Honey, he needs to go see a doctor.  Painless does not always mean "it's nothing."  For example, breast cancer lumps are usually painless.  It sounds like something is going on with his lymph node there, and only a doctor can tell him what is going on.