Groin lump
Information, Symptoms, Treatments and Resources
A groin lump is localized swelling in the groin area. It may be firm or soft, tender or not painful at all.
Lump in the groin; Inguinal lymphadenopathy; Localized lymphadenopathy-groin; Bubo; Lymphadenopathy - groin
- 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
Make an appointment to see your doctor if you have an unexplained groin lump, especially if it persists for more than 3 weeks.
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
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.
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