Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is It?Other CausesShould You Have a Physical Exam?When Will a Lump in Groin Disappear?RisksMedical InterventionsDo Not Ignore New or Sudden Lumps in Groin
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is It?
Other Causes
Should You Have a Physical Exam?
When Will a Lump in Groin Disappear?
Risks
Medical Interventions
Do Not Ignore New or Sudden Lumps in Groin
For anyone who feels a lump near their groin, whether it hurts or not, knowing what could be causing it is really important. This article explores common causes such as hernias, cysts, or swollen lymph nodes, as well as more serious concerns, such as lymphoma.
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What’s This Lump Near My Groin?
Symptoms of a lump near the groin can vary depending on the underlying cause. Here are some common symptoms associated with different types of groin lumps:
These symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause of the lump, such as hernias, swollen lymph nodes, or other conditions. It’s important to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
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Size
The size of a lump in the groin can vary widely depending on its underlying cause. Non-cancerous lumps like lipomas may range from pea-sized to several centimeters in diameter. These lumps are often soft, movable, and may not cause significant discomfort.
Tenderness
Non-cancerous lumps like cysts or lipomas may cause mild tenderness, especially if they’re inflamed or irritated. In such cases, the tenderness is often localized to the area directly over the lump and may worsen with pressure or movement.
Cysts vs. Groin Lymph and Other Causes
Knowing the cause behind a lump in the groin is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. While groin lumps can stem from various factors, including hernias, swollen lymph nodes, cysts, or even tumors, determining the precise cause requires that you see your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.
Enlarged Lymph Nodes
The most common reason behind a lump in the groin area typically involves swollen lymph nodes. The medical term for swollen lymph nodes is “lymphadenopathy.” Lymph nodes play a vital role in the immune system, aiding in the identification and combat against germs, infections, and other foreign agents.
Symptoms of enlarged lymph nodes may include:
Inguinal Hernia
An inguinal hernia happens when tissue, like part of the intestine, pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles near the groin, creating a noticeable lump in that area.
Causes of inguinal hernia include:
Symptoms of inguinal hernia include:
Cysts
A cyst, such as an epidermal or sebaceous cyst, is a closed sac or pocket in the body that’s typically filled with fluid, semi-solid material, or air. Here’s how it can cause a lump in the groin:
Cysts near the groin typically result from a blockage of hair follicles or oil glands, which accumulate dead skin cells or sebum.
Symptoms of cysts near the groin may include:
Abscess
Causes of abscess in the groin:
Symptoms of an abscess in the groin:
Lipoma
A lipoma is a non-cancerous) growth of fat cells that form a soft, movable lump under the skin. It develops when fat cells grow abnormally and clump together to form a lump beneath the skin. A lipoma can develop almost anywhere on the body. These growths are typically slow-growing and can vary in size but are usually painless and harmless.
Symptoms of lipoma may include:
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a type of cancer originating in the lymphatic system, part of the body’s immune system. It typically begins in lymphocytes, a kind of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections. Lymphoma can manifest as Hodgkin lymphoma or non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Causes of lymphoma include:
Symptoms of lymphoma may include:
Anxiety Related to a Groin Lump
If you have a lump in your groin, it is wise to talk with your healthcare provider to determine the cause. During your evaluation, your healthcare provider will conduct a physical examination, which may involve palpating the lymph nodes in your groin area. Additionally, a genital or pelvic exam might be performed as part of the assessment process.
Your medical history and symptoms will be thoroughly discussed, including details such as:
Diagnostic tests that could be ordered as part of the evaluation may include:
The most common reason for a lump in the groin is swollen lymph nodes, which often signal the body’s response to an infection. These lumps usually diminish on their own as the infection clears up, typically within a few weeks.
Risks of Untreated Lump in Groin Not Going Away
Leaving a lump in the groin untreated when it doesn’t resolve on its own can pose several risks. These may include the potential for the underlying cause to worsen, such as an unresolved infection leading to complications, or the possibility of a more serious condition being overlooked.Seeking medical attention for persistent lumps in the groin is crucial to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Medical Interventions to Treat Groin Lumps
Medical interventions for treating groin lumps depend on the underlying cause. For swollen lymph nodes due to infections, doctors may recommend:
In cases where a hernia is suspected, surgery may be required.
Cysts typically pose no significant health risks and often do not require treatment unless they become inflamed or infected. In such cases, your healthcare provider may recommend applying a warm, moist cloth (compress) to the affected area to aid in draining and promoting healing. For infections, your provider may recommend:
Lymphoma treatment depends on the type but may include:
It’s important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
If you or a loved one has a new or sudden lump in the groin area, it is possible that they signify an underlying condition that requires medical attention. See your healthcare provider to help determine the cause of the lump and determine a proper treatment plan if needed.
Summary
If you or someone you know discovers a new or unexpected lump in the groin area, see your healthcare provider for guidance. Ignoring a lump can lead to risks like worsening underlying conditions or overlooking potentially serious health issues. Your healthcare provider can determine the cause of your lump and help provide an appropriate treatment plan.
20 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.NHS.Swollen glands.National Institution of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Health.Inguinal hernia.Cancer Research UK.Lipoma.Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.Lump in groin: Should I be worried?MedlinePlus.Abscess.National Cancer Institute.Lymphoma - patient version.MedlinePlus.Swollen lymph nodes.MedlinePlus.Groin lump.MedlinePlus.Epidermoid cyst.MedlinePlus.Steatocystoma multiplex.Cedars-Sinai.Epidermoid cysts of the skin.NHS.Skin abscess.Familydoctor.org.What are lipomas?MedlinePlus.Lipoma - arm.American Cancer Society.Non-Hodgkin lymphoma risk factors.Cancer Counsel.What is lymphoma?American Cancer Society.Anxiety.MedlinePlus.Lymphadenitis.MedlinePlus.Inguinal hernia repair.National Cancer Institute.Hodgkin lymphoma treatment (PDQ)- patient version.
20 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.NHS.Swollen glands.National Institution of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Health.Inguinal hernia.Cancer Research UK.Lipoma.Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.Lump in groin: Should I be worried?MedlinePlus.Abscess.National Cancer Institute.Lymphoma - patient version.MedlinePlus.Swollen lymph nodes.MedlinePlus.Groin lump.MedlinePlus.Epidermoid cyst.MedlinePlus.Steatocystoma multiplex.Cedars-Sinai.Epidermoid cysts of the skin.NHS.Skin abscess.Familydoctor.org.What are lipomas?MedlinePlus.Lipoma - arm.American Cancer Society.Non-Hodgkin lymphoma risk factors.Cancer Counsel.What is lymphoma?American Cancer Society.Anxiety.MedlinePlus.Lymphadenitis.MedlinePlus.Inguinal hernia repair.National Cancer Institute.Hodgkin lymphoma treatment (PDQ)- patient version.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
NHS.Swollen glands.National Institution of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Health.Inguinal hernia.Cancer Research UK.Lipoma.Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.Lump in groin: Should I be worried?MedlinePlus.Abscess.National Cancer Institute.Lymphoma - patient version.MedlinePlus.Swollen lymph nodes.MedlinePlus.Groin lump.MedlinePlus.Epidermoid cyst.MedlinePlus.Steatocystoma multiplex.Cedars-Sinai.Epidermoid cysts of the skin.NHS.Skin abscess.Familydoctor.org.What are lipomas?MedlinePlus.Lipoma - arm.American Cancer Society.Non-Hodgkin lymphoma risk factors.Cancer Counsel.What is lymphoma?American Cancer Society.Anxiety.MedlinePlus.Lymphadenitis.MedlinePlus.Inguinal hernia repair.National Cancer Institute.Hodgkin lymphoma treatment (PDQ)- patient version.
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National Institution of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Health.Inguinal hernia.
Cancer Research UK.Lipoma.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.Lump in groin: Should I be worried?
MedlinePlus.Abscess.
National Cancer Institute.Lymphoma - patient version.
MedlinePlus.Swollen lymph nodes.
MedlinePlus.Groin lump.
MedlinePlus.Epidermoid cyst.
MedlinePlus.Steatocystoma multiplex.
Cedars-Sinai.Epidermoid cysts of the skin.
NHS.Skin abscess.
Familydoctor.org.What are lipomas?
MedlinePlus.Lipoma - arm.
American Cancer Society.Non-Hodgkin lymphoma risk factors.
Cancer Counsel.What is lymphoma?
American Cancer Society.Anxiety.
MedlinePlus.Lymphadenitis.
MedlinePlus.Inguinal hernia repair.
National Cancer Institute.Hodgkin lymphoma treatment (PDQ)- patient version.
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