Health Encyclopedia

Groin lump

Definition

A groin lump is localized swelling in the groin area. 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
Enlarged lymph glands in the groin area
Hernia (usually a soft, large bulge in the groin on one or both sides)
Infection
Injury trauma to the groin area
Sexually transmitted disease

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

Henry PH, Longo DL. Enlargement of lymph nodes and spleen. In: Kasper DL, Braunwald E, Anthony S. Fauci AS, eds. Harrison’s Internal Medicine. 16th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2005.

Review Date:7/17/2007
Reviewed By:Robert Hurd, MD, Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, and physician in the Primary Care Clinic, Cincinnati Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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