Groin Lumps: When to Seek Medical Attention

Inguinal small mass?

Hello, Doctor.
Current situation: Yesterday while showering, I suddenly discovered an unknown hard lump on the inner side of my right thigh, close to the underwear area.
It appears dark, is not painful, measures about 0.5 cm, and feels firm and immovable, as if it is adhered to the muscle and cannot be pinched.
There is a suspected eczema nearby, which is neither painful nor itchy and has not spread; it has been present for 6 months.
The dermatologist is uncertain about its nature and has temporarily diagnosed it as eczema, but the topical treatment has not improved the condition.
On the inner side of my left thigh, near the groin, there is also a lump measuring about 0.5 to 1 cm, which appeared over 6 months ago.
This lump is movable, feels smooth and elastic to the touch, and has not increased in size; I am continuing to monitor it.
Previously, I had a 1 cm lump above the Adam's apple on my neck, which was removed and confirmed to be a lymph node.
Should I continue to observe for a few weeks before seeing a surgeon, or should I see a doctor promptly? I am in a remote area where only surgical consultations are available.

Ms. Chen, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/06/03

Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology

Ms.
Chen / 30 years old / Female
1.
There is a suspected eczema in the nearby area, which is neither painful nor itchy and has not spread.
It has been present for 6 months, and the dermatologist is uncertain about the diagnosis, temporarily identifying it as eczema.
Treatment with topical medication has not resulted in improvement.
A: For the dermatological issue, please consult a dermatologist again.
2.
On the inner side of the right thigh, near the underwear area, there is an unknown hard lump that appears dark in color.
It is not painful, approximately 0.5 cm in size, and is hard and immovable, as if it is adhered to the muscle and cannot be pinched.

2.2 On the inner side of the left thigh, close to the groin, there is also a lump approximately 0.5 to 1 cm in size that appeared over 6 months ago.
This lump is movable, feels smooth, elastic, and has not increased in size; it is being monitored.
A: The right side appears to have a higher likelihood of malignancy, while the left side has a lower chance of being malignant.
However, a definitive diagnosis must be made by a physician.
3.
Should I continue to observe for a few weeks before seeing a surgeon, or should I see a doctor promptly? I live in a remote area where only surgical consultations are available.
A: Risk assessment includes 3.1 the number of confirmed pneumonia cases in your area, 3.2 some clinic physicians may not perform physical examinations, and you may need to go to a larger hospital for that, and 3.3 your own mental state.
Even if cancer is chronic, the uncertainty of when the pandemic will decline suggests that if you are anxious, it is advisable to go to a larger hospital for examination.
Wishing you peace of mind and health.

Reply Date: 2021/06/03

More Info

When it comes to groin lumps, it is essential to approach the situation with caution and awareness of the potential underlying causes. Based on your description, you have two lumps in the groin area: one on the right inner thigh that is hard, immovable, and dark in appearance, and another on the left inner thigh that is movable, smooth, and elastic. Additionally, you mentioned a history of a lymph node that was previously removed and confirmed as a lymph node.

Understanding Groin Lumps
Lumps in the groin can arise from various causes, including:
1. Lymphadenopathy: Enlarged lymph nodes can occur due to infections, inflammation, or malignancies. The lump you previously had in the neck area was confirmed as a lymph node, which raises the possibility that the current lumps could also be related to lymphatic tissue.

2. Sebaceous Cysts: These are common benign lumps that can occur in various parts of the body, including the groin. They are usually movable and can be filled with a thick, oily substance.

3. Lipomas: These are benign tumors made of fat tissue. They are typically soft, movable, and painless.

4. Infections or Abscesses: Infections in the area can lead to the formation of lumps that may be painful, red, or warm to the touch.

5. Dermatological Conditions: Given your mention of eczema, it is possible that the lump could be related to a skin condition, although the characteristics you describe (hard, immovable) suggest it may not be solely dermatological.

When to Seek Medical Attention
Given the characteristics of the lumps and your medical history, here are some guidelines on when to seek medical attention:
1. Persistent Lumps: Since both lumps have been present for over six months, it is advisable to have them evaluated by a healthcare professional, especially since one is hard and immovable.
2. Changes in Size or Shape: If you notice any changes in the size, shape, or texture of the lumps, or if they become painful, this warrants immediate medical attention.

3. Associated Symptoms: If you experience any additional symptoms such as fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue, these could indicate a more serious condition and should prompt a visit to the doctor.

4. Previous Medical History: Given your history of a lymph node that required surgical removal, it is prudent to have any new lumps evaluated to rule out any potential malignancies.

Recommendations
- Consult a Surgeon: Since you are in a remote area with limited access to specialists, it would be wise to consult a surgeon as soon as possible. They can perform a physical examination and may recommend imaging studies or a biopsy if necessary.

- Monitor Symptoms: While waiting for an appointment, keep an eye on the lumps for any changes. Document any new symptoms that may arise, as this information will be helpful for your healthcare provider.

- Avoid Self-Diagnosis: While it is tempting to self-diagnose based on online information, it is crucial to have a professional evaluation to determine the exact nature of the lumps.

In conclusion, while some lumps can be benign and require only observation, the characteristics of your lumps, particularly the immovable one, suggest that a medical evaluation is warranted. It is better to err on the side of caution, especially given your medical history and the potential implications of lymphadenopathy. Seeking medical attention sooner rather than later will provide you with peace of mind and ensure that any necessary treatment is initiated promptly.

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