Lump in Groin: Causes With or Without Pain

Identifying Lumps Based on Male and Female Anatomy

Medically reviewed by Matthew Wosnitzer, MD

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.

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:

• Swelling or bulge in the groin or vaginal area

• Pain or discomfort, especially when coughing, lifting, bending, or standing

• Pain or tenderness in the lump

• Feeling of pressure, fullness, discomfort, or burning in the groin
  

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.

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.

Lumps in the groin that rapidly increase in size, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional promptly to determine the cause and initiate appropriate management.

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.

On the other hand, tender lumps in the groin can also be a sign of infection, such as an abscess, where the surrounding tissue becomes inflamed and sensitive. However, if a lump in the groin is consistently tender, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like redness, warmth, or fever, it's crucial to seek medical attention for appropriate treatment.

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.

Enlarged lymph nodes may be caused by:

• Infection in the legs

• Body-wide infections, often caused by viruses

• Epididymitis (scrotal specific infections)

• Infections spread through sexual contact such as genital herpes, gonorrhea, or chlamydia

• Cancer, such as lymphoma (cancer of the lymph system)
  
  

Symptoms of enlarged lymph nodes may include:

• Swollen glands that feel like small, firm lumps

• Associated symptoms may include tenderness, redness, or warmth in the area

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:

• Weakness in the abdominal muscles

• Heavy lifting, walking, or standing for many hours a day

• Chronic cough that leads to straining

• Constipation and straining during bowel movements

• Genetics

Symptoms of inguinal hernia include:

• A bulge or lump in the groin or scrotum

• Discomfort or pain, especially when lifting, coughing, or bending over

• A feeling of pressure or heaviness in the groin

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:

• Epidermal Cyst: This type of cyst forms when cells from the top layer of skin get trapped beneath the skin surface or hair follicles, leading to a build-up of dead skin cells. Over time, this accumulation creates a round, firm lump under the skin.

• Sebaceous Cyst: A sebaceous cyst, or Steatocystoma, develops from oil-producing glands (sebaceous glands) in the skin. When these glands become blocked or damaged, sebum (oil) starts to accumulate, forming a cyst. The cyst grows slowly and can create a noticeable lump.

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:

• A round, firm lump under the skin that's often painless

• The lump may be movable and feel smooth to the touch

• Sometimes, the cyst can become inflamed or infected, causing redness, tenderness, or drainage of thick, cheesy material
  

Abscess

An abscess is a localized collection of pus caused by an infection. An abscess in the groin can develop due to an infection in a hair follicle, sweat gland, or other skin structures in the groin area. The infection leads to inflammation and the accumulation of pus, forming a swollen and often painful lump in the groin.

Causes of abscess in the groin:

• Bacterial infection is the most common cause

• Poor hygiene or skin irritation, which can predispose the skin to infections

• Shaving or a cut in the area

• You may be at higher risk if you smoke, are diabetic, are obese, or have a chronic skin condition such as eczema

Symptoms of an abscess in the groin:

• Swelling and redness

• Pain or tenderness, especially when touched or with movement

• Warmth around the lump

• Pus or fluid drainage from the lump

• Fever

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.

The exact causes of lipoma are unknown, but they may be caused. by injury or genetics.

Symptoms of lipoma may include:

• Soft, rubbery lump under the skin that's typically painless and moves easily when touched

• The lump may grow slowly over time but usually remains stable in size

• Rarely, a large lipoma can cause discomfort or pressure to nerves, which can result in weakness or pain

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:

• Family history

• Viral infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

• Exposure to certain chemicals or toxins, such as pesticides, benzene, or chemotherapy drugs

• Immune system disorders or conditions that weaken the immune system

• Older age

Symptoms of lymphoma may include:

• A palpable lump of one or more lymph glands, such as the groin or armpits

• Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, fever

• Abnormal sweating, especially at night

• Frequent infections

• Bruising or bleeding easily

• Loss of appetite
  

Anxiety Related to a Groin Lump

Anxiety often accompanies the discovery of a lump in the groin, as it can raise concerns about potentially serious underlying health conditions. The uncertainty can lead to heightened stress and worry and potentially have a negative effect on your mental health. Seeking medical evaluation is crucial not only for accurate diagnosis but also for alleviating anxiety by providing clear information and a plan for addressing the lump.

Should You Have a Physical Exam?

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:

• When the lump was first noticed
  

• Its onset (i.e. did appear gradually over time or suddenly)

• Any changes in size during activities like coughing or straining

• Sexual activity

Diagnostic tests that could be ordered as part of the evaluation may include:

• Blood tests

• Screenings for sexually transmitted infections like syphilis or HIV

• Kidney and liver function assessments

• A liver spleen scan

• A lymph node biopsy (removing a small sample of the lymph node for examination)
  

When Will a Lump in Groin Disappear?

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:

• Rest

• Over-the-counter pain relievers

• Cool compresses

• Antibiotics if a bacterial infection is present

• Less commonly, surgery may be needed to drain an abscess

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:

• Steroid medication

• Draining the cyst if it's swollen, tender, or large

• Oral antibiotics

Lymphoma treatment depends on the type but may include:

• Chemotherapy

• Radiation

• Immunotherapy

It's important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

Do Not Ignore New or Sudden Lumps in Groin

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.

Read the original article on Verywell Health.