Painful Groin Lumps: When to Seek Medical Attention

Inguinal mass with tenderness upon palpation?

Yesterday morning, I discovered a lump in the lower right groin area.
It is located deeper, immobile, approximately 2 cm long and 1 cm wide, resembling an elongated shape like a water hen.
It is painful when pressed, and even when not pressed, I experience a dull ache and swelling sensation while sitting due to pressure.
Additionally, there is a small movable lump about 1 cm away that does not hurt when pressed, approximately 0.5 cm in diameter.
I had just done some exercise the day before, and the next day I noticed soreness in my inner thigh, which led me to discover the painful swelling in the groin area.
I would like to inquire about the possible causes of this condition.
Is it necessary to seek immediate medical attention, or can I observe it for now? If a check-up is needed, which specialty should I consult?

JES, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/02/09

Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology

JES / 29 years old / Female
1.
What could be the reason for this?
A: Benign lymphadenopathy is more common.
The possibility of malignancy cannot be completely ruled out.

2.
Is it possible that immediate medical attention is needed?
A: A physician's evaluation can help determine whether it is benign or malignant, which would provide more reassurance.

3.
Should I just observe for now?
A: If you are busy, while observing, pay attention to changes: if it increases in size, changes color, becomes hard, is immobile, or is larger than 1 cm, it is more likely to be malignant, and you should see a doctor.
Generally, you meet the criteria of being immobile and larger than 1 cm.

4.
Which specialty should I see for examination?
A: General Surgery.
Happy New Year from Taoyuan Hospital, Dr.
Chen Si-Rong.

Reply Date: 2023/02/09

More Info

When it comes to painful groin lumps, it is essential to approach the situation with caution and awareness of potential underlying conditions. The symptoms you've described—a lump in the groin area that is painful upon pressure, along with a smaller, movable, and non-painful lump nearby—could indicate several possibilities, ranging from benign to more serious conditions.

Firstly, the lump you are feeling could be a swollen lymph node. Lymph nodes can become enlarged due to various reasons, including infections, inflammation, or even malignancies. Given that you mentioned recent physical activity, it is possible that the lump is a reactive lymph node responding to a minor infection or injury. The pain upon pressing the lump could suggest inflammation or irritation in the area.

Another possibility is a hernia, particularly if the lump appears to protrude or bulge when you are standing or straining. Inguinal hernias occur when tissue, such as part of the intestine, protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. This condition can cause discomfort and may require surgical intervention if it becomes incarcerated or strangulated.

Additionally, the lump could be a cyst, such as a sebaceous cyst, which is typically benign and can occur in various locations on the body. These cysts can become inflamed or infected, leading to pain and discomfort.

Given the symptoms you are experiencing, it is advisable to seek medical attention, especially since the lump is painful and has appeared relatively suddenly. While it may not be an emergency, a healthcare professional should evaluate the lump to rule out any serious conditions.
In terms of which specialist to consult, starting with a primary care physician is a good option. They can perform an initial examination and, if necessary, refer you to a specialist such as a surgeon or an oncologist, depending on their findings. If the lump is suspected to be related to lymphatic issues, a visit to an internist or a specialist in infectious diseases may also be warranted.

In summary, while it is possible that the lump is benign and related to recent physical activity, the presence of pain and the characteristics of the lump warrant a medical evaluation. Early assessment can help ensure that any potential issues are addressed promptly, leading to better outcomes. Always trust your instincts when it comes to your health; if something feels off, it’s best to get it checked out.

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