Groin lump

Answer 1

If it looks like a thumb poking out of your skin, it happened to me once, it turned out to be, and I kid you not, cat scratch fever. It is a real thing, you can only get it once and antibiotics cleared it right up. That doesn't mean that is what you have.

It could be a hernia. This should be seen by a doctor immediately as it will only worsen with time. Its a tear in the abdominal wall and its your guts or innards trying to poke through. Very painful and it does not heal on its own. It's a little smaller than a chickens egg and can be discolored or bruised in appearance.

Answer 2

Definition

A groin lump is localized swelling in the groin area (where the upper leg meets the lower abdomen). It may be firm or soft, tender or not painful at all.

Alternative Names

Lump in the groin; Inguinal lymphadenopathy; Localized lymphadenopathy-groin; Bubo; Lymphadenopathy - groin

Considerations

All groin lumps should be examined by your health care provider.

Common Causes

• Allergic reaction
• Cancer
• Drug reaction
• Harmless (benign) cyst
• Hernia (usually a soft, large bulge in the groin on one or both sides)
• Infections in the legs
• Injury trauma to the groin area
• Lipomas (harmless fatty growths)
• Sexually transmitted diseases such as genital herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea
• Swollen lymph glands in the groin area

Home Care

Follow the therapy prescribed by your health care provider.

Call your health care provider if

Make an appointment to see your doctor if you have an unexplained groin lump, especially if it persists for more than 3 weeks.

What to expect at your health care provider's office

The doctor will examine you and may feel the lymph nodes in your groin area. A genital or pelvic examination may be done.

The doctor will ask questions about your medical history and symptoms, such as:

• When did the lump develop?
• Is it on one side or both?
• How big is it?
• Did it occur suddenly or develop slowly?
• Is it always present or does it come and go?
• Does it get larger when coughing or straining?
• Has there been any unusual physical activity recently?
• What symptoms do you have?

The doctor may also ask you detailed questions about your sexual activities.

Tests that may be done include:

• Blood tests such as a CBC or blood differential
• Blood tests to check for syphilis, HIV, or other sexually transmitted diseases
• Kidney function tests
• Liver function tests
• Liver spleen scan
• Lymph node biopsy

References

Armitage JO. Approach to the patient with lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier. 2007: chap 174.

Camitta BM. Lymphadenopathy. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th Ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 490.

Glover KY, Varadhachary GR, Lenzi R, Raber MN, Abbruzzese JL. Carcinoma of unknown primary. In: Abeloff MD, Armitage JO, Niederhuber JE, Kastan MB, McKenna WG, eds. Clinical Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa; Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2008: chap 98.

Answer 3

Definition

A groin lump is localized swelling in the groin area (where the upper leg meets the lower abdomen). It may be firm or soft, tender or not painful at all.

Alternative Names

Lump in the groin; Inguinal lymphadenopathy; Localized lymphadenopathy-groin; Bubo; Lymphadenopathy - groin

Considerations

All groin lumps should be examined by your health care provider.

Common Causes

• Allergic reaction
• Cancer
• Drug reaction
• Harmless (benign) cyst
• Hernia (usually a soft, large bulge in the groin on one or both sides)
• Infections in the legs
• Injury trauma to the groin area
• Lipomas (harmless fatty growths)
• Sexually transmitted diseases such as genital herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea
• Swollen lymph glands in the groin area

Home Care

Follow the therapy prescribed by your health care provider.

Call your health care provider if

Make an appointment to see your health care provider if you have an unexplained groin lump, especially if it persists for more than 3 weeks.

What to expect at your health care provider's office

The health care provider will examine you and may feel the lymph nodes in your groin area. A genital or pelvic examination may be done.

You will be asked questions about your medical history and symptoms, such as:

• When did the lump develop?
• Is it on one side or both?
• How big is it?
• Did it occur suddenly or develop slowly?
• Is it always present or does it come and go?
• Does it get larger when coughing or straining?
• Has there been any unusual physical activity recently?
• What symptoms do you have?

The health care provider may also ask you detailed questions about your sexual activities.

Tests that may be done include:

• Blood tests such as a CBC or blood differential
• Blood tests to check for syphilis, HIV, or other sexually transmitted infections
• Kidney function tests
• Liver function tests
• Liver spleen scan
• Lymph node biopsy

References

Armitage JO. Approach to the patient with lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 171.

Tower RL II, Camitta BM. Lymphadenopathy. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 484.

Reviewed By

Review Date: 08/12/2011

Linda Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.