Disappearance of Inner Thigh Lump: Should You Be Concerned? - Family Medicine

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The lump on the inner thigh has disappeared?


Previously, I was unsure if it was due to wearing tight underwear (as there were noticeable indentations on the inner thighs), combined with my obesity, which led to friction and resulted in a red, swollen area about 1.5 centimeters in size (painful only when pressed).
Since my grandfather is a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, I applied his anti-inflammatory ointment to the swollen area.
After two to three days, the swelling subsided, but there remained a soft lump with clear boundaries that did not hurt when pressed.
This area had been red and swollen a couple of times, while the lump has persisted for over three months (without increasing in size).
Recently, due to a cyst surgery wound reopening, I have been on antibiotics for over three weeks and have made efforts to adjust my diet and lifestyle.
Just a few days ago, I noticed that the lump has disappeared.

1.
As I am a student preparing for exams this January, I have been staying up late for an extended period.
However, despite my fatigue, I have not fallen ill (normally, I get sick at least once or twice a year, but I did not get sick at all last year).
After researching, I suspect it might have been lymphadenopathy (though the lump lasted too long for me to be certain).

2.
So far, there have been no other abnormalities in my body.

3.
I would like to know if this is a good sign or a cause for concern.
Thank you for your response, doctor.

Hua, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/08/03

Dr. Wu Zongying reply Family Medicine


Hello: Most lumps that disappear are usually not a cause for concern.
As for the original cause of the lump (soft), I cannot determine it since I have not seen it in person.
However, in addition to the lymph nodes you mentioned in your letter, it could also be a skin rash or fungal patch caused by sweating on the inner thigh.
To prevent future recurrences, it is advisable to avoid prolonged sitting, wear breathable clothing, and keep the skin dry to avoid moisture.
Moderately reducing weight and exercising can help improve circulation in the lower limbs, thereby reducing the occurrence of various diseases.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/08/03

More Info


The disappearance of a lump in the inner thigh can be a source of concern, especially when it has been present for an extended period. However, based on the details you've provided, there are several factors to consider that may help alleviate your worries.

Initially, the lump you described, which was approximately 1.5 cm in size, appeared to be associated with some redness and tenderness, likely due to friction from tight clothing and possibly exacerbated by your body weight. This suggests that the lump could have been a localized inflammatory response, possibly a benign condition such as a lipoma or a cyst, which can occur in areas of friction or irritation. The fact that it was soft, had clear boundaries, and was not painful upon pressure is also indicative of a benign nature.

The use of your grandfather's anti-inflammatory ointment seems to have been effective in reducing the redness and swelling, which further supports the idea that the lump was likely an inflammatory response rather than a more serious condition. The persistence of the hard lump for over three months without any increase in size or change in characteristics is also a positive sign. Many benign lumps can remain stable for long periods without causing any health issues.

The recent discovery that the hard lump has disappeared is generally a good sign. It indicates that whatever the underlying issue was, it has resolved itself. In many cases, benign lumps can spontaneously regress, especially if they were related to inflammation or irritation.
Regarding your concerns about lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes), it is important to note that lymph nodes typically swell in response to infection or inflammation. If the lump had been a swollen lymph node, it would likely have been tender and possibly accompanied by other systemic symptoms such as fever or malaise. Since you have not experienced any other symptoms and the lump has now resolved, it is less likely that this was a lymph node issue.

It's also worth mentioning that your overall health appears to be stable, as you have not experienced any illnesses despite your long study hours and fatigue. This resilience is a positive indicator of your immune system's functioning.

In conclusion, the disappearance of the lump, especially after a period of inflammation, is generally a positive outcome. However, it is always prudent to monitor your body for any new changes or symptoms. If you notice any new lumps, persistent pain, or other unusual symptoms, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation. Regular check-ups can help ensure that any potential issues are addressed early on.
In summary, while it is natural to feel concerned about changes in your body, the evidence suggests that the lump was likely benign and has resolved itself. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can further support your overall health and well-being. If you have any lingering concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider for peace of mind.

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