What does a cancerous axillary lymph node look like for any kind of cancer?

Enlarged and firm.: A normal lymph node is about the size, shape and consistency of a partially cooked kidney bean (small, bean-shaped, and soft but solid). A lymph node involved by metastatic carcinoma would be enlarged, irregular in shape and would feel more firm / hard to the touch (like a pitted date). A node with carcinoma might also have a woody cut surface and might be 'fixed' to adjacent soft tissue.

Lumps in the armpit: After infections, from scratches to insect bites, can be a sign that your body is working right. They can be dime to quarter sized and hurt. One worries more about lumps that grow, do not hurt, but may be associated with fevers, weight loss, sweats or itching. Always a good idea to check with and have doc look/feel.