What are the purple lumps?

I have swollen underarms with lumps, does anyone know what it could be?

• For the past 5 years or so I have had large swellings on both my left and right underarm. Inside the swelling are lots of hard lumps that really hurt, even when I'm not moving. They're really painful to touch and the swelling or lumps never go away. I can't wear strappy tops anymore as the swellings are so big, it's embarrassing. Does anyone know what it could be? I've been to the doctor but they just said they haven't seen it before and don't know what it is. But it's causing me so much pain I'd like to be able to do something to help it.

• Answer:

  They are your lymph glands. I get them sometimes, my grandma is a Pharmacist and the manager in her department. And she told me when your body is fighting infections they swell up, just like the ones under your mouth. You can also get cancer lumps there. So you may wanna go to the doctor for that if they haven't went away for 5years.