Concerns Over a Painful 1.5cm Groin Lump: Should I See a Doctor?

There is a 1.5 cm hard lump in the groin with some tenderness?

About three to four weeks ago, I discovered a lump on the right side of my groin, approximately 1.5 centimeters in size, which is movable when touched.
It was very painful when I accidentally bumped into it once, but otherwise, I haven't felt much discomfort.
Starting last week, I've begun to experience soreness on the right side of my body.
This week, the lump has started to hurt a little, not significantly, but I can feel some pain in that area.

Currently, I am studying in New York and have consulted with the school doctor, who suggested that it might be due to the pandemic, as I've been staying home too long without exercise, leading to lymph node swelling.
They recommended that I try to exercise more to see if it resolves.
Over the past week and a half, I have been more active and have been jumping rope daily, but the lump has not only failed to decrease in size but has also started to feel somewhat painful.
Should I be concerned? My father had lymphoma, and he initially discovered a lump in his groin, which was later diagnosed as lymphoma, so I am a bit worried.
Given that I am currently in New York and that the doctors here can only provide consultations over the phone due to the pandemic, do I need to fly back to Taiwan to see a doctor? Thank you.

Nini, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/05/21

Dr. Hu Ziren reply Oncology

It is recommended that if there are no systemic symptoms such as fever, night sweats, weight loss (10% weight loss within half a month), persistent cough, or the appearance of large red rashes or plaques on the skin, then observation is sufficient.
However, if the mass increases in size significantly within a short period (1-3 months) and causes worsening numbness and weakness in the affected limb, it is advised to consult a general surgeon or an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Reply Date: 2020/05/21

More Info

It’s understandable to be concerned about a painful lump in your groin, especially given your family history of lymphatic cancer. The symptoms you describe—a movable lump that has recently become painful and is accompanied by soreness in the right side of your body—warrant further evaluation.
Firstly, it’s important to recognize that while some lumps can be benign, such as swollen lymph nodes due to infection or inflammation, others may require more serious attention. The fact that the lump has become painful and has not improved with increased physical activity is a red flag. Pain in a lump can indicate inflammation or other underlying issues that should be investigated.

Given your family history of lymphatic cancer, it is prudent to take your symptoms seriously. Lymph nodes can swell for various reasons, including infections, but they can also be indicative of malignancies, especially in individuals with a family history of cancer. The lump you described, measuring 1.5 cm, is significant enough to warrant a medical evaluation.
While your school doctor suggested that increased physical activity might help, it’s crucial to remember that if the lump persists or worsens, or if you experience additional symptoms such as fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue, you should seek medical attention promptly. These symptoms can be associated with more serious conditions, including cancer.

In terms of whether you should fly back to Taiwan for a consultation, it depends on several factors. If you can access healthcare in New York, it would be advisable to see a doctor there as soon as possible. Many healthcare facilities are now offering in-person consultations as well as telehealth options, which can provide you with the necessary evaluation without the need for travel.
During your consultation, the doctor may perform a physical examination and may recommend imaging studies, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, to assess the lump further. A biopsy may also be necessary to determine the nature of the lump definitively.
In summary, while it’s possible that the lump is benign, the combination of pain, persistence, and your family history makes it essential to seek medical evaluation. If you can access healthcare in New York, do so promptly. If you find that you are unable to get the care you need, or if your symptoms worsen, then consider traveling back to Taiwan for a thorough examination. Your health and peace of mind are paramount, and addressing these concerns sooner rather than later is the best course of action.

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