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.
All groin lumps should be examined by your health care provider.
Follow the therapy prescribed by your health care provider.
Make an appointment to see your health care provider if you have an unexplained groin lump, especially if it persists for more than 3 weeks.
The health care provider will examine you and may feel the lymph nodes in your groin area. A genital or pelvic examination may be done.
You will be asked questions about your medical history and symptoms, such as:
The health care provider may also ask you detailed questions about your sexual activities.
Tests that may be done include:
Lump in the groin; Inguinal lymphadenopathy; Localized lymphadenopathy-groin; Bubo; Lymphadenopathy - groin
Armitage JO. Approach to the patient with lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 171.
Tower RL II, Camitta BM. Lymphadenopathy. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 484.
Updated by: Linda Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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