Lump in the groin in women: diagnosis, causes, treatment and possible consequences

A lump in a woman’s groin is a foreign compaction that rises above the general surface of the skin. During palpation, it may differ in mobility, dense structure or be soft to the touch. Most often it is localized between the leg and groin, as well as in the lower abdomen. Such a neoplasm that appears in the groin area of women requires immediate diagnosis and establishment of its nature of origin.

Causes of seals

In a person’s groin area there are lymph nodes that can react sharply to health problems. The main purpose of lymph is to remove pathogenic microorganisms that negatively affect human health.

Therefore, during the period of viral infection, the lymph nodes in the groin and neck may enlarge. In this case, a change in size does not indicate the development of pathology and does not pose a danger to the woman.

Factors that cause enlarged lymph nodes:

infectious diseases and sexually transmitted diseases;
taking contraceptive hormonal drugs;
allergic lesions;
previous viral infections;
weakening of the immune system;
malignant processes occurring in the pelvic organs.

The inflammatory process occurring against the background of infectious diseases causes changes in the patient’s well-being. This condition requires active treatment; at advanced stages of the pathological process, removal of lymph nodes is required.

Attention! All infectious lesions of the lymph nodes are dangerous. The change leads to a decrease in protective mechanisms and can provoke the appearance of chronic pathologies with relapses.

Inguinal lymph nodes in women, when involved in the pathological process, can provoke the development of diseases of the pelvic organs. The tumor process will be a consequence of contact with streptococcal infection.

Between the leg and groin in a person there is a lymphatic center, into which lymph flows from the organs of the legs and pelvis:

venereal pathologies;
reproductive dysfunction;
purulent foci of inflammation.

Injuries due to decreased immunity can cause inflammation in the lymph nodes.

Functions of lymph nodes

These formations are protective filters in the immune system, through which the body is cleansed of pathogenic bacteria. With severe inflammatory processes, allergies, and a decrease in the body's defenses, the lymph nodes become denser and increase in size. In a normal state they are small, mobile and painless when palpated. If the lymph nodes begin to grow, and touching them causes pain, this means that inflammation is developing near them. Therefore, an increase in nodes in the groin area, first of all, suggests diseases of the pelvic organs. But sometimes, with the flow of lymph, microbes spread to other parts of the body and dense and painful lymph nodes appear there too.

What can he talk about?

Pimples that resemble lumps in appearance may also appear in the groin area. The reason for their manifestation is nutritional disorders, hormonal imbalances, lack of hygiene and bad habits.

This is due to the fact that as a result of exposure to factors, the intensity of sebum increases, which leads to clogging of the outlet openings. A dense capsule filled with pus appears under the skin.

With folliculitis, an inflammatory process forms in the hair follicle. The pathological process manifests itself due to injury to the hair as a result of shaving or epilation.

With furunculosis, damage to the hair root spreads to other tissues, and bacterial flora joins. The seal takes size, is yellow or green in color, and emits heat. Sometimes surgery is required, requiring opening of the abscess and installation of drainage.

A sebaceous cyst occurs in the groin area or on the external genitalia. Among the reasons provoking the change are the following:

failure to comply with personal hygiene rules as a result of depilation of the intimate area;
wearing tight underwear made of synthetic fabrics;
skin injuries during hair removal;
changes in hormonal levels after the birth of a child or before menopause;
imbalance of vitamins and minerals in the body;
overheating or hypothermia.

Such a cyst has a benign etiology; the seal must be removed surgically.

Lipoma is a growth of fatty tissue. The formation of a compaction is not accompanied by severe symptoms. Wen is not dangerous; it can cause inflammation of the lymph nodes. The lipoma is removed surgically. During the procedure, an incision is made on the patient's skin to remove the fatty contents.

Bartholinitis or inflammation affecting the Bartholin gland can be identified as the cause of the inflammatory process. The cause of the disorder may be an infection of the genitourinary system. The process is accompanied by pain, the person cannot sit or walk. If the pathology is not treated, it takes a chronic course.

Lymphoma is a malignant formation. The compaction consists of pathological lymph nodes and requires immediate surgical intervention. The prognosis for recovery with timely detection and treatment is more than 70%.

A specialist can determine the cause of tightness in the groin area in women. After determining the pathological factor, a treatment plan is developed.

Possible complications

The main goal of treatment is to eliminate the cause that provokes the appearance of compaction. In the initial stages, most of the causes and their consequences are amenable to drug therapy. The use of anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compounds in combination with compliance with hygiene recommendations is sufficient. When a tumor appears that is an inguinal hernia, surgical intervention is performed.

Leaving a manifestation unattended is dangerous; the tumor can be malignant. In this case, consequences and complications in the form of metastasis through the lymphatic system are possible. Cancer cells spread rapidly. The method of therapeutic intervention after a malignant formation is determined by a specialist.

Features of treatment

The method of therapy is selected taking into account the diagnosis, stage of the disease, and size of the lump. Today such methods are used.

Treatment with antibacterial drugs. Indicated for diseases of an infectious nature, when the causative agent is bacteria, fungi, viruses, including sexually transmitted ones.
Local therapy. It is carried out for purulent-inflammatory processes, in particular, furunculosis, hidradenitis, bartholinitis. The lesion is treated with a solution of "Chlorhexidine", "Furacilin". Antimicrobial ointments can be used - Levomekol, Nystatin, Triderm.
Hernia repair. If the protrusion is slight, wearing a bandage and exercises to strengthen the muscles of the groin area are recommended. If the disease is advanced, surgical treatment is performed.
Oncology treatment. Involves radiation, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, and surgical methods of intervention. Maintenance therapy may be used.
Surgery. If there is no effect from the use of medications or is considered insufficiently satisfactory, the lump is opened. The purulent contents are removed, after which the cavity is treated with an antiseptic and the wound is sutured. To prevent relapses, the tumor and a small area of surrounding healthy tissue are removed.

Treatment of groin lumps

If a bulge forms in the groin area, you should consult a therapist. After the diagnosis, the doctor will issue a referral to a specialist.

After confirmation of the bacterial etiology of the process, optimal treatment methods are determined. Medicinal influence involves the prescription of drugs:

painkillers;
antibiotics;
anti-inflammatory drugs.

To increase the effectiveness of treatment, physiotherapeutic procedures and spa treatment are used.

Sometimes the absence of pain becomes a reason for delay for the patient. An oncological tumor and fatty compaction do not provoke pain. It is impossible to determine the cause of the formation on your own; it is important to consult a specialist, undergo an examination and a course of therapy.

What to do?

Having discovered an unknown lump in the groin area, it is best not to rely on chance. To begin with, you can go for an unscheduled appointment with a gynecologist (for men - with a urologist); if necessary, the doctor will be able to send the patient to another specialist - a dermatologist, surgeon, etc. If doctors insist on conducting additional studies - a puncture or computed tomography, it is better not to refuse. Such diagnostic methods will help not to miss cancer.

Experienced doctors strongly do not recommend treating groin bumps on your own, piercing them or heating them. Such manipulations can be very dangerous, especially with the development of oncological processes.

Most often, it is possible to cope with diseases that cause the appearance of lumps in the groin area using conservative methods. However, sometimes it is necessary to remove tumors surgically.

Disease prevention

Prevention of diseases that provoke the formation of a tumor in the groin in women comes down to lifestyle rules:

proper nutrition;
rejection of bad habits;
measured physical activity;
hardening.

Limit the influence of factors affecting women's health:

emotional fatigue;
lifting weights;
overheating and hypothermia.

It is necessary to limit sexual relations that can cause sexually transmitted diseases. Any deviation, even a minor one, requires contacting a specialist.

The female body is created in an amazing way. Many processes are very complex, and therefore it is not immediately possible to determine the reason if something stops working properly.

Many people are frightened by the appearance of something unknown, for example, the formation of lumps in the groin; in women this causes a feeling of fear, because the first thing that comes to mind is cancer.

The presence of lumps does not always indicate oncology; it can be an inflammatory process against the background of various diseases; timely consultation with a doctor is mandatory!

Associated symptoms

The formation of lumps in the groin in women can be painless and unnoticed, but in most cases it is accompanied by certain symptoms, allowing a specialist to assume the possible nature of the pathology and the degree of its potential danger to health. The most common manifestations:

Painful sensations. They accompany most processes occurring in the body. They are considered characteristic of lymphadenitis, inguinal hernia, and oncology. Pain occurs when there is contact or pressure in the area of the lump.
Bulging. Indicates inflammation with the formation of a purulent process or the formation of an inguinal hernia. As it increases, it begins to bulge, causing discomfort when moving or wearing underwear. In the future, it becomes the cause of serious complications and can lead to tissue necrosis or blood poisoning.
Spontaneous opening. This phenomenon is typical for seals that look like a capsule with a purulent mass. It occurs in a number of diseases - inflammation of the sebaceous glands, hidradenitis, furunculosis, bartholinitis. The sac ruptures after 10-14 days and is accompanied by an outpouring of purulent contents. After the capsule is cleansed, scarring of the wound begins. Recurrence of the disease is possible.
Asymptomatic. Characteristic for the development of formations of a benign nature. An increase in compaction is indicated only by emerging discomfort. The tumor interferes with movement, while wearing or changing underwear and is a cosmetic defect.

What are lumps in the groin of women?

The lymphatic system plays one of the main roles in the human body. First of all, it performs a protective function, cleansing the immune system of viruses, bacteria, infections and foreign particles.

While the body works smoothly, the lymph nodes do not appear in any way, but in the event of any disturbance, they enlarge, swell, and can become painful.

Lymph nodes are located in different parts of the body, and swelling in a certain area indicates a problem area and a possible disease.

If bacteria or viruses accumulate, severe inflammation begins in the lymphatic system. In women, it may appear as lumps in the groin area.

In case of pain, the inguinal nodes may signal the initial stage of oncology or the development of another serious disease.

If a tumor is detected in the groin, you should immediately undergo a full diagnosis and establish the cause of this phenomenon. A quick reaction and proper treatment are the key to a quick recovery.

For what reasons may they appear?

There are many reasons for the formation of groin lumps; only a qualified specialist can determine the original source.

The main reasons are:

Infection and infection of the female reproductive system, long-term infection leads to inflammation and pain.
Hernia. When the lump comes out, it can be easily pushed back with normal pressure, but with any physical activity, straining, or normal movement, it will come out again. If a woman experiences severe strangulation during a hernia protrusion, the doctor may prescribe surgery.
Inflammatory process of the sebaceous gland and sweat duct. This inflammation is accompanied by high body temperature, nausea, chills, and lethargy. The symptoms are similar to intoxication.
Suppuration of the hair follicle. The formation of a purulent accumulation occurs due to the penetration of fungi or staphylococcus into the compaction. The likelihood of infection increases with frequent wearing of tight underwear, due to depilation or neglect of hygiene standards. It is dangerous to self-medicate and squeeze pimples; this can lead to the infection spreading to neighboring follicles.
Varicose veins of the inguinal veins. This is mainly transmitted along the genetic line, or occurs due to changes in the hormonal state of a woman during pregnancy. Hypertension, excess body weight and lack of mobility also contribute to this.
Inflammatory process of the vestibule or Bartholin gland. In this case, blood accumulates in the seal, which causes severe pain, especially acute pain occurs during touch. In a couple of days, an abscess will appear on top of the bump.
Oncological neoplasm. Malignant tumors are formed due to pathological abnormalities of the thyroid gland, due to exposure to carcinogens and damage to the body by viral bacteria. In other cases, cancer develops due to poor heredity.
Allergic reaction. With severe allergies, the lymph nodes become inflamed and lumps are located on the right side of the groin. To get rid of a bump, you need to eliminate the allergen, for example, food or medicine.

In any case, consultation with a specialist and a thorough examination are important.

A lump on the pubic area, along the panty line or between the leg and groin, which doctor should a woman see?

First of all, you should seek advice from your local physician. The doctor is obliged to perform an examination, ask about additional symptoms, palpate the lump, and, if necessary (if oncology is suspected), will direct a puncture.

If swelling and acute pain are present, it is important to consult a gynecologist and surgeon.

Subspecialists will conduct a full examination, sending the patient:

take a general blood test;
undergo a computed tomography scan;
X-ray of the groin area;
ultrasonography.

Under no circumstances should you self-diagnose or prescribe treatment. This is life-threatening, especially if it is a cancerous tumor. If treatment is not timely, the course of the disease can begin, and an irreversible process will begin.

Symptoms and diagnosis

The compaction or appearance of an abnormal formation in the groin is noticeable almost immediately. Symptoms, depending on the causes of the tumor, can be varied. However, a feeling of discomfort is always present, with any disease.

The inflammatory process is accompanied by a number of symptoms

If this is an inflammatory process in the lymph nodes, oncology or an abscess, then the following symptoms are present:

Pain with movement, especially when walking
Itching that gets worse at night
Redness of the skin
General malaise
Increase in body temperature
Burning
Loss of appetite
Dizziness
Change in blood picture
Enlarged lymph nodes
Hyperemia
Weight loss

When a lump occurs in the groin due to various types of hernia, the symptoms may differ slightly. Typically, inguinal and tibial hernias, protruding into the groin, have the following symptoms:

The pain radiates not only to the groin, but also to the stomach
The size of the lump increases with coughing, sneezing and stress
Constipation, flatulence and frequent urination are present
Nausea
Tachycardia
Fever
Temperature increase
Redness or bluishness of the skin in the area of the tumor
Lower back pain

If the cause of the tumor is varicose veins or thrombosis, then there is a pulsation at the site of the lump. And at the site of the tumor there is a lumpy surface. Pain is present throughout the entire leg.

Diagnosis of the disease underlying the tumor is carried out on the basis of anamnesis, palpation, a complete necessary examination, and test results.

If necessary, a specialist doctor will prescribe the woman to undergo an ultrasound scan of the entire abdominal cavity and pelvic organs.

X-rays can help clarify the picture of the disease. If there are difficulties in making a diagnosis, biopsy and computed tomography are used.

All these manipulations are aimed at establishing the true cause of the swelling or compaction in the groin. Only on the basis of research is it possible to prescribe the correct treatment.

Treatment methods

Treatment depends on the source of the lump and the degree of advanced disease. General treatment plan:

In the presence of any inflammation, immunomodulators and general-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed. If there are problems with the intestinal tract, probiotics are additionally prescribed.
If a hernia occurs, it is important to examine the surgeon, who will determine whether surgery is necessary in this case. If surgery is not required, then strengthening exercises for the groin area are prescribed, and it is recommended to wear a bandage.
For varicose veins, medications are prescribed that improve blood circulation, vitamins and antiplatelet agents. It is recommended to reduce physical activity and wear compression underwear.
If there are malignant tumors, the woman undergoes radiation therapy or chemotherapy. In case of sharp deterioration and progression, surgery is performed.

If you start taking medications at the initial stage of the disease, recovery will occur in the near future.

Watch a video about one of the methods of treating inflamed inguinal lymph nodes:

Treatment

Treatment for a lump in the groin directly depends on the type of disease that caused its appearance. The following methods of treating foreign tumors in women can be used:

a course of antibacterial drugs if the seal in the groin area is an abscess that has arisen as a consequence of infection of the skin or soft tissues by pathogenic microorganisms in the form of Staphylococcus aureus, streptococcal infection, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The medication is selected individually depending on the strain of the infection detected, but most often drugs such as Azithromycin, Erythromycin, Biseptol, Amoxicillin, Amoxiclav, injectable and tablet forms are used;
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory ointments and gels for external use, which help remove swelling of the lump, help eliminate signs of the inflammatory process, stimulate the resorption of compacted tissues (Heparin, Vishnevsky balm, Ichthyol, Syntomycin);
chemotherapy drugs prescribed in courses if, based on the results of the examination, it was determined that this lump in a woman on the left or right side of the groin is a cancerous tumor. The patient is introduced into the body intravenously by installing droppers, and the duration of the course of treatment depends on the positive dynamics of recovery;
taking vitamin and mineral complexes to increase the protective function of the immune system and the body’s resistance to viral and bacterial infections;
surgical intervention when the use of drug therapy is not advisable, or its use has not brought a positive effect. During the surgical operation, a lump can be opened and removed, which in fact is an abscess, a wen, a diseased lymph node, or a benign tumor.

Is treatment possible at home?

In this situation, treatment at home can only be done after a doctor’s examination and diagnosis, otherwise you can only make things worse for yourself.

To reduce inflammation and remove pain, the following methods are used:

Warm and cold compresses; in the presence of swelling and pus, the procedure is not performed.
It is recommended to prepare a drink based on honey and lemon juice. Mix the juice with water and add a teaspoon of honey. Take three times a day.
Chamomile tea. The plant reduces inflammatory processes of any nature. Brew the drink like regular tea, drink several times a day.
Treat the bulge with castor oil, rubbing the product in a circular motion. If the patient is allergic to castor oil, you can use peppermint oil; just take a couple of drops to treat the area. Mint will not only relieve inflammation, but also kill pathogenic microbes.
Turmeric is no less effective. A paste-like mass is made from turmeric and honey. Using gentle movements, rub the paste into the bump. Perform the manipulation twice a day for seven days.

If the condition worsens after a day, treatment should be stopped and see a doctor immediately.

Lump in the groin during pregnancy, is it dangerous?

During pregnancy, many changes occur in a woman's body. For example, due to the growth of the uterus and the growth of the fetus, the blood vessels in the small pelvis are compressed, this leads to the expansion of varicose veins and an enlargement of the perineum. Ultimately, congestion occurs in the veins in the groin area, which is expressed by the formation of nodules or lumps.

Also, in a pregnant woman, the appearance of inguinal nodes can occur due to blockage or inflammation of the sebaceous and sweat glands. The expectant mother's sweat production increases; with increased stress, the body may not be able to cope, which causes a blockage of the duct.

There is a possibility of a hernia due to excessive stress on the muscles and ligaments. If a hernia develops, it is important to avoid long hikes and exercise, wear a bandage, and surgical intervention is prescribed after the birth of the baby. If the hernia is pinched, the operation is performed in a gentle manner.

For varicose veins and other cases, medication or alternative treatment is prescribed. If you neglect the situation or self-medicate, there is a risk of losing the child or negatively affecting its development.

If a woman monitors her condition during pregnancy, this problem will not arise.

You need to rest more, observe good hygiene, eat right, take vitamins and not overexert yourself. Now a woman is responsible not only for her life, but also for the life of her unborn child.

So, if a woman discovers a small nodule or lump in the groin area, she needs to be examined by a therapist, gynecologist or surgeon as soon as possible.

What to do if a lump occurs during pregnancy

If a lump forms in the groin during pregnancy, you must immediately inform the doctor who is seeing the woman.

The doctor may recommend wearing a bandage, reducing stress and sudden movements. Any interventions are possible only in a very serious situation.

Any interventions are possible only in a very serious situation

The best way to solve a problem is to prevent it from happening! To avoid such troubles, you need to pay enough attention, time and money to your health, because it is better to spend money on vitamins than on medicines.

About what is enlarged lymph nodes, signs and treatment of the disease:

How to correctly diagnose sweat gland inflammation and treatment methods:

About what lipoma, atheroma, hygroma and cancer are:

The appearance of abnormal tumors on the body is a serious reason for unscheduled seeking medical help. But not every person rushes to the doctor if such a problem arose in a rather intimate place - in the groin.

Photo of a ball in the groin area

Furunculosis in the groin

A boil can appear on different parts of the body: on the back, on the chest, on the face. Very often, the boil is localized in the groin area of a woman and can become a source of terrible discomfort. If many rashes appear at once, such a lesion is called furunculosis.

The reasons may be:

underwear that rubs the skin;
allergies to hygiene products;
problems with the immune system;
some infections;
endocrine disorders;
liver and kidney diseases.

What caused the ball to appear in the groin during furunculosis can be found out as a result of diagnostic measures carried out in the hospital. Most often, a boil in the groin is formed when the outflow of the secretion of the sebaceous glands is disrupted, and an abscess is formed. An infection can also develop if the pathogen Staphylococcus aureus gets into the wound.

To treat furunculosis, antibiotics are used, which are part of products for external use. Such drugs are sold in pharmacies in the form of liniments, creams or gels. The drugs are applied to a gauze bandage, applied to the affected area, and secured with an adhesive plaster. When the number of compactions with ulcers increases, antibiotic therapy is prescribed orally.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes

Lymph nodes in the groin become inflamed when pathogens enter. All the reasons why this happens are divided into external or internal. With external infection, microbes enter the node through skin wounds or scratches. Internal infection occurs when the lymph node reacts to an infectious disease.

General symptoms of inflammation of the nodes in the groin:

an increase in the diameter of the node is more than 1 cm;
pain when pressed;
redness of the skin in the groin;
local increase in temperature;
sometimes general low-grade fever.

Diseases that cause enlargement of the inguinal nodes can be very different: urogenital herpes, cytomegalovirus, borreliosis, lymphogranulomatosis inguinal, erysipelas, gonorrhea, syphilis and other ailments. In women, a ball in the groin can be caused by gynecological problems.

After treatment of the underlying disease, the ball in the groin area disappears on its own; no additional treatment is required. For external lymphadenitis, antibacterial therapy is carried out.

Ingrown hair

Sometimes a subcutaneous ball can occur due to an ingrown hair in the groin. It happens that after removal, the hair shaft grows not upward, but downward, twisting in a spiral. It occurs in men and women with coarse, curly hair and dry skin.

The skin perceives such hair growth as a foreign body, resulting in inflammation. Redness, itching, and swelling appear. To prevent ingrown hairs, the skin must be softened before preparing for depilation. In the bikini area, special shaving gel and creams with moisturizers are applied. Inflamed ingrown hair is removed by a surgeon or dermatologist.

Inguinal lipoma

A lipoma or fat ball in the groin is very often discovered completely by accident. As a rule, patients turn to doctors because of a suspicion of an inguinal hernia or some kind of malignant lump. An experienced doctor makes a diagnosis during the examination.

Most often, lipomas occur in old age. This occurs due to hormonal imbalance in the body, a slowdown in the metabolic process, lack of nutrients, or due to an unhealthy lifestyle. More often it appears as a dense lump in the groin in men, which is hard to the touch.

Causes

An increase can be caused by:

Infections (bacterial, fungal, viral, parasitic, protozoal).
Allergies (dermatitis, hay fever, hay fever).
Autoimmune diseases (scleroderma, lupus erythematosus, thyroiditis).
Blood diseases (leukemia, lymphogranulomatosis).
Neoplasms.

Common reasons for the appearance of large lymph nodes in the groin in pregnant women are:

sexually transmitted diseases (trichomoniasis, gonorrhea);
inflammation of the genital organs (colpitis, vaginitis, oophoritis) caused by chlamydia, cytomegalovirus, herpetic, streptococcal, fungal or other infections;
ovarian cysts;
endometriosis;
disorders of the urinary system (urethritis, cystitis, urolithiasis);
skin diseases (furunculosis, eczema, dermatitis);
helminthic infestations;
intestinal diseases (enteritis, colitis, polyps, diverticulosis, appendicitis, etc.);
haemorrhoids;
diseases of the hip joint (subluxations or sprains, synovitis, bursitis, arthritis);
injuries to the thighs or buttocks or burns to these areas;
general infections (flu, ARVI, tonsillitis, sinusitis, bronchitis).

Enlarged lymph nodes due to pathologies in the body are accompanied by severe pain or the spread of infection throughout the lymphatic system (lymphadenitis), i.e. the process is not limited to one zone. With timely treatment, the disease goes away within 7-14 days, but if this does not happen, it is necessary to undergo additional examination to exclude more serious diseases (tuberculosis, AIDS, syphilis, oncology, blood pathologies).

During pregnancy, a woman’s defense system undergoes various changes, and unstable hormonal levels can cause a decrease in the adequate immune response to the penetration of pathogenic microbes into the body. Therefore, there are cases when the lymph node in the groin is enlarged during pregnancy not due to illness, but due to temporary functional disorders:

Rh conflict between mother and fetus;
hormonal changes;
long-term toxicosis;
allergic reactions to taking certain foods, vitamins or using soap, shampoo, cream, as well as detergents and household cleaning products.

In these cases, the lymph nodes increase slightly in size, but do not hurt and decrease on their own as the provoking factor is eliminated.

Remember! In any case, if you have an inflamed lymph node in the groin during pregnancy, you need to bring this to the attention of a gynecologist. After the examination, he can refer you for a consultation with specialized specialists: infectious disease specialists, hematologists, endocrinologists, orthopedists, etc.

Immediate treatment to the hospital is required in cases where the lymph node is very large, the area around it is red and swollen, it is very painful, as well as when the temperature rises, severe weakness and sticky sweat appear, pain in the abdomen, contractions of the uterus or bleeding from it, nausea , vomiting, loose stools.