Swollen Gland in Groin

[needadvice1911]

In late early July 2013 i was diagnosed with Epididymitis.  I te4sted negative for major bacterial causes.  The doctor suspects a viral infection of some sort.  I was told to wait it out.  I went to walk in clinic three weeks later as i began getting a pain in my goin on the right side.  It seemed to stick out a little more than the left.  The doctor said it could be hernia or a swollen lymph node which would make more sense with a genital infection present.  He sent me for an ultrasound to confirm the lump.  It was  confirmed a swollen lymph node:  "mildly enlarged right goin lymph node corresponding to the area of tenderness with mostly benign features likely reactive and of questionable significance."  it measure 19.3mm x 11.1mm x 5.7mm.  My issue is that it is a month past that that diagnosis.  I can't tell if the lump is any bigger, but i do know the pain has not gone away and slightly increased.  Pain spreads to my upper right thiigh, right buttock, right lower back and kidney area.  In early july i had my annual physical and my blood work came back clean.  nothing unusual our outstanding.  My concern is lymphoma.  Can anyone please comment.  I have an appointment with my doctor tomorrow to review the pain i have in my groin and thigh.

[needadvice1911]

I just came back from the doctor.  He walked me through my blood work, explained the levels and all mine were normal.  Second we went over sonogram results from October 17.  Liver, Billary Tree, gallbladder, spleen, kidneys, pancreas, aorta, IVC, all normal.  Groin sonogram results as follows:
Rest:  No peritoneal Contents.
Valsalva:  No change in the appearance of soft tissue.
Additional Comments:  well defined hypo and hyperecholic masses anterior to the neurovascular bundle with thin cortical mantles as follows:  Right - 16.3mm x 11.7mm x 3.3mm and 11.1mm x 11.0mm x 4.0mm.  Left - 10.3mm x 8.8mm x 4.0mm.
Interpretation - 1) Normal Studies.  2) Normal appearing bilateral groin lymph nodes likely of no clinical significance.  3)no sonographic evidence of  a groin hernia.

So, those are the results.  My doctor says that because the enlarged node on the right is next to a bunch of nerves and presses against them causing my pain/discomfort up and down my right side.  The second node on the right was measured against a node on the left to say they are similar in size and normal.  I asked him if I had lymphoma and he said based on these results he would have to say no.  He also mentioned that the node is a bit smaller now than it was in july.  He suggests to give it time to go down.  if it does not in a few months, he would not oppose removing it to relieve pressure on the nerves.  What are your thoughts?  Does this seem accurate to you?

[Ken_PA]

That depends on the diameter, I suppose - and needs the doc there in person.

I once saw an N.P say he could feel an enlarged spleen or any other organ. I'd think that would be lots easier with slack abdominal muscles.

Good luck with your appointment.

[needadvice1911]

I would say below the muscle wall. Just to the right if my belly button.   Could the liver do that? I will check with the doc. Thanks

[Ken_PA]

My guess is that a sono can only look so deep, then you need a CT or MRI.

There are nodes all over there, close to the surface and/or deep ones. But an enlarged node would have to be really big to make that protrusion. Is it above or below the muscle wall? Maybe your liver if underneath.

[needadvice1911]

Hey ken. I hope all is well.  I'm feeling good however still have some unanswered questions. I have an appointment December 4 to ask a few things.  One question I have is since I had a full abdominal ultra sound, would that show lymph nodes that are enlarged in my abdomen area.  I ask this because the right side of my belly beside the belly bottom sticks out further than the left side.  I know it may sound odd but could enlarged nodes do that or are they too deep to make that happen?  

[Ken_PA]

Hi, we just crossed postings.

I don't think (i.e., guess) that prostate cancer is causing your symptoms, no. It's doesn't fit with metastasis, and besides your node increased size very quickly like infection. Your age also doesn't fit. A prostate cancer group would be the place to ask, though.

Sorry to hear about your dad. Prostate cancer can be very slow growing, so there is a move toward not treating it unless really necessary. Sometimes not at all.

Have you tried anti-inflammatories for yourself? I'd even try lots of ginger and turmeric - which might be a good lifelong habit to start.