Definition of Groin lump:

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.

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