Saturday, February, 11, 2012

Groin lump

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Lump in the groin; Inguinal lymphadenopathy; Localized lymphadenopathy-groin; Bubo; Lymphadenopathy - groin


Home Care

Follow the therapy prescribed by your health care provider.


Call your health care provider if

Make an appointment to see your doctor if you have an unexplained groin lump, especially if it persists for more than 3 weeks.


What to expect at your health care provider's office

The doctor will examine you and may feel the lymph nodes in your groin area. A genital or pelvic examination may be done.

The doctor will ask questions about your medical history and symptoms, such as:

  • When did the lump develop?
  • Is it on one side or both?
  • How big is it?
  • Did it occur suddenly or develop slowly?
  • Is it always present or does it come and go?
  • Does it get larger when coughing or straining?
  • Has there been any unusual physical activity recently?
  • What symptoms do you have?

The doctor may also ask you detailed questions about your sexual activities.

Tests that may be done include:

  • Blood tests such as a CBC or blood differential
  • Blood tests to check for syphilis, HIV, or other sexually transmitted diseases
  • Kidney function tests
  • Liver function tests
  • Liver spleen scan
  • Lymph node biopsy


Review Date: 08/02/2009
Reviewed 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.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)