swollen lymph nodes in groin

Dr. Goodman,
I would like your opinion on the following...I felt a small lump, the size of a pea on my right side groin area and I went to the GYN and she felt it and said I think that it might be a hernia and advised me to see a general surgeon for his input.  I made the appointment and went and the surgeon felt it and said that's not a hernia it is a swollen lymph node?  He asked if I had any infections or colds lately or if I had been bitten by a spider or a bug on my foot, of which I said no. My question to you is, I had a hysterectomy last May 07 (only uterus was taken) and two months ago I was diagnosed with two hydrosalpings (not sure of the spelling), could that cause a swollen lymph node in my groin and if so why wouldn't my GYN know that it was a swollen lymph node and not a hernia. If you don't think that is the cause can you tell me what you think? Could it be a sign of cancer?  I am otherwise a healthy 48 year old female.  Thanks for all of your help now and in the past!

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi There,

I agree with your gyn.
A hernia means a weakness in the muscle /fascia layer with tissue protruding through . That can feel like a lump. It can be hard to sort that out. Seeing a surgeon was reasonable.

The groin is a very common location for swollen lymph nodes. Every time one stubs their toe, they can get irritation and bacteria hat circulates up to the groin and causes swelling.

If you did not have cancer in your uterus, it is unlikely that you have a cancer now. It is also unlikely to be related to a hydrosalpinx which is a swelling of the fallopian tube.

For masses or lymph nodes in the groin that are getting bigger, that is a reason to consider a biopsy
best wishes

[kellygill]

Thank you AGAIN for your input...it was very helpful!!  I am seeing my GYN again on April 12th, for a follow up vaginal ultrasound to check and see how much bigger if any my fallopian tubes have gotten since I was diagnosed with bilateral hydrosalpinx and I will again have them check the lump on my right side.