Lymph nodes groin
February 19, 2012 | 15,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Kathrin Hamann
Hello,
About 3 weeks ago, I noticed a lump in my right groin area (5cm towards the thigh), which I can still feel today. I would say it's about 1 cm in diameter. There is no visible bump on the skin or anything like that. I also don't have any pain or anything like that, just when I press on it too much. I am a little worried that it could be something serious because you often read that if they are swollen for longer than a few days, it could be something serious. I have already seen my general practitioner who told me that since it can be moved around, it probably isn't anything serious. Which doctor should I see? Can a lump persist for a longer period of time without it being something serious that needs to be operated on, etc.?
Hello,
it could indeed be an enlarged lymph node. These swell in response to infections to produce the necessary defense cells. If these swollen lymph nodes are movable and only hurt after prolonged manipulation, that is a good sign. Swollen lymph nodes can remain swollen for some time (months, sometimes even years) without having a specific pathological significance. So please don't worry. Avoid tight underwear and frequent manipulation of the lymph node.
You should continue to monitor this swelling. If it continues to swell or hurts, your primary care physician can perform an ultrasound of the groin to determine the size. A differential blood count examination can show changes in lymphocytes. If there is a noticeable finding, a hematologist-oncologist is the appropriate specialist for further investigations.
But please don't worry now. In the vast majority of cases, this swelling of the lymph nodes is harmless.
All the best.
... Are you also interested in this question? 
