Lump in the groin; Inguinal lymphadenopathy; Localized lymphadenopathy - groin; Bubo; Lymphadenopathy - groin
A groin lump is swelling in the groin area. This is where the upper leg meets the lower abdomen.
A groin lump may be firm or soft, tender, or not painful at all. Your health care provider should examine any groin lumps.
The most common cause of a groin lump is swollen lymph nodes. These may be caused by:
Other causes include any of the following:
Follow the treatment your provider prescribed.
Small lymph nodes that can be felt in the groin are common, especially in men, and usually result from prior leg infection. Make an appointment to see your provider if you have an unexplained groin lump.
The provider will examine you and may feel the lymph nodes in your groin area. A genital or pelvic exam may be done.
You will be asked about your medical history and symptoms, such as when you first noticed the lump, whether it came on suddenly or slowly, or whether it gets larger when you cough or strain. You may also be asked about your sexual activities.
Tests that may be done include:
McGee S. Peripheral lymphadenopathy. In: McGee S, ed. Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 27.
Poulose BK, Carbonell AM, Rosen MJ. Hernias. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. Elsevier; 2022:chap 45.
Winter JN. Approach to the patient with lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 159.
BACK TO TOPReview Date: 7/25/2022
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06/01/2025
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