What causes painful cyst under the armpit?
Patient: Hello,  i am 36, female, I am 5'8" 270lbs. I am a Type 1 Juv. Onset Diabetic, insulin dependent. Last sugar was 146 and slowly coming down. I have been seen already for an abbess (cyst) in my right armpit.. but my symptoms have changed. The cyst became extremely painful tonight and it even deformed from its original shape, went from a smooth ball to a lumps all over the general area. It popped and drained starting from green, then to the brown/grey and then to pure dark blood. I have become extremely nauseous and have even vomited. and have a general feeling  of being not well plus a headache and stomach ache. what should I do? Doctor: Hi I am Dr Fahim, General Surgeon.  I will help with your problem . . . Its sad to know that you are suffering from this condition. But encouraging thing is that it is fully curable and you will be fine in few days time.You are having an abscess in the right armpit, which is more common in diabetics. Since the abscess ruptured so the pain will reduce, but you mention that some more area is also involved. Its seem there is localized cellulitis. If such patient walk in my clinic, I plan for local treatment of the abscess under local anaesthesia. All the pus is drained and any necrotic tissue removed, so that focus of infection is eliminated. this process is repeated on daily basis for approximately 5 days. Second systemic antibiotic cover eg (amoxillin&clavulanate) + analgesic eg Paracetamol and good control of diabetes.I hope will help you with this problem. Do rate my answer if you like it.Regards