MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Groin lump

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Groin lump

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition Considerations	Common Causes Home Care Call your health care provider if What to expect at your health care provider's office

Illustrations

Lymphatic system

Swollen lymph nodes in the groin

Alternative names Return to top

Lump in the groin

Definition Return to top

A groin lump is localized swelling in the groin area. It may be firm or soft, tender or not painful at all.

Considerations Return to top

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

Common Causes Return to top

hernia (usually a soft, large bulge in the groin on one or both sides)
- A hernia is bigger when standing and recedes when lying down. It can often be pushed back with the finger (see inguinal hernia and femoral hernia).
enlarged lymph glands in the groin area
a local infection
generalized drug reaction
allergic reaction
a viral infection
a malignancy
trauma to the groin area
sexually transmitted diseases

Home Care Return to top

Follow the therapy prescribed by your health care provider.

Call your health care provider if Return to top

there are groin lumps that persist more than 3 weeks.
an unexplained groin lump is present.

What to expect at your health care provider's office Return to top

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting your symptom in detail may include:

time pattern
- When did the lump develop?
- Did it occur suddenly or develop slowly?
- Is it always present or does it come and go?
location
- Is it on one side or both?
- How big is it?
other
- Does it get larger when coughing or straining?
- What is the sexual history (detailed questions may be asked)?
- Has there been any unusual physical activity recently?
- What other symptoms are also present?

The physical examination may include palpation (touch) of lymph nodes in the groin and elsewhere. A genital or pelvic examination may be performed.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

liver function tests
kidney function tests
liver-spleen scan
lymph node biopsy
routine blood studies such as a CBC or blood differential
test for syphilis and HIV

Intervention:
Treatments may include antibiotics if appropriate. For a hernia, surgery may be recommended.

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to a groin lump, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.

Update Date: 1/16/2004

Updated by: Daniel Levy, M.D., Ph.D., Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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