Groin Swelling: Potential Causes and When to Seek Help

A lump has appeared near the groin area?

Hello Dr.
Chen,
I have been working and traveling in Australia for almost three months.
Recently, I have been working at a beef slaughterhouse for the past two weeks.
Before starting work, I was tested and vaccinated against Q Fever, which is a zoonotic disease.
My job mainly involves using my right knee to press buttons in an air-conditioned room, pushing a conveyor belt, and packing beef into boxes.
We handle the meat with our bare hands and wash our hands seven times a day.

During the first week, I didn't experience any significant issues, just some fatigue from work and bruising on my knee from pressing the buttons, which has mostly subsided.
However, starting this week, about four to five days ago, I noticed a swelling in the right groin area and the thigh joint.
For the first two days, I didn't feel much, but in the last three days, it has grown larger.
Regardless of whether I press, stand, or walk, there is pressure at certain angles, accompanied by redness, swelling, and pain.
The swollen area is now approximately 3cm by 9cm in size.
Standing for eight hours a day has exacerbated the swelling, and it seems to reduce slightly after sleeping.

I found some information stating that swollen lymph nodes can be painful, possibly due to infection or immune system responses.
However, I do not have any wounds or issues such as athlete's foot or genital problems in my lower extremities.
Could it be possible that contact with raw meat has led to a bacterial or parasitic infection? I also read that if lymph nodes are swollen due to tumors, they typically do not cause pain, so can I rule that out? Is it possible that I could still have a tumor, but not in the lymph nodes? Or could it be cortical hyperplasia or a lipoma?
Aside from drinking more water and resting, what else can I do? If the situation does not improve, I may need to return to Taiwan for medical treatment.
Thank you.

YL, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/10/13

Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology

Hello, I suggest you prioritize consulting with an infectious disease specialist! Taoyuan Hospital.
Chen Sih-Rong.

Reply Date: 2018/10/13

More Info

Understanding groin swelling can be quite complex, as it can arise from a variety of causes, ranging from benign to more serious conditions. Based on your description, it seems that you have developed a swelling in the right groin area that has progressively increased in size over the past few days, accompanied by redness, warmth, and pain. Given your recent work environment in a beef processing plant, there are several potential causes for your symptoms.

Firstly, the swelling could be due to lymphadenopathy, which is the enlargement of lymph nodes. This can occur in response to infections, inflammation, or even malignancy. In your case, the fact that you have been in contact with raw meat raises the possibility of a bacterial infection, such as one caused by handling contaminated meat. Common pathogens that can cause lymphadenopathy include Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species, among others. If the lymph nodes are indeed swollen due to infection, they may be tender and painful, which aligns with your symptoms.

Another possibility is that the swelling could be due to a soft tissue injury or inflammation, such as a muscle strain or tendonitis, especially considering your job requires repetitive knee pressure and standing for long periods. This could lead to localized swelling and discomfort in the groin area.

Additionally, you mentioned the possibility of a tumor or cyst, such as a lipoma or epidermoid cyst. While these are generally painless, they can sometimes become inflamed or infected, leading to swelling and discomfort. However, the acute nature of your symptoms and the associated redness and warmth make an infectious process more likely.

In terms of management, it is crucial to monitor your symptoms closely. Here are some steps you can take:
1. Rest and Elevation: Try to minimize activities that exacerbate the swelling and pain. Elevating the affected leg can help reduce swelling.

2. Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress to the swollen area may help reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.

3. Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is important, as it can help your body manage inflammation.

4. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help alleviate pain and reduce swelling.

5. Seek Medical Attention: Given the progression of your symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation as soon as possible. A healthcare professional can perform a physical examination, possibly order imaging studies (like an ultrasound), and conduct laboratory tests to determine the underlying cause of your swelling.

If the swelling continues to increase, or if you develop additional symptoms such as fever, chills, or systemic signs of infection, it is imperative to seek immediate medical care. Infections can escalate quickly, and timely intervention is crucial.

In conclusion, while there are multiple potential causes for your groin swelling, the combination of your work environment and the nature of your symptoms suggests that an infectious process may be at play. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation and appropriate management. If you feel that your condition is worsening or if you have any concerns about your health, returning to Taiwan for medical care may be a prudent decision. Your health and well-being should always be the top priority.

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