Painful lump in groin area for female or male can be worrisome. While some hard or pea sized lumps can be normal and mostly goes away on their own, others can be cancerous hence a reason to worry. Here is an insight on the causes, what to do and more.
Is it a Lump in Groin or Cyst ?
A body part called groin includes the upper inner thigh and the indented area of the front of the body where the legs meet the trunk. Lumps and pimples that form in this area can be small or large; they may grow or remain the same size; they may occur as a single lump or in cluster. These lumps can be hard or soft, movable or not movable, painful or asymptomatic. Some lumps turn red or purple while others remain flesh-colored. Many are covered by intact skin, but some can ulcerate or form other types of sores.
You can develop a lump in groin from different causes including injury, allergy, infection, tumors and hernias. Trauma-related causes of lumps are those that result from bug bites or stings, localized collections of blood in the tissues, and scar tissue. Rashes associated with allergies can cause multiple small, itchy lumps that can spread over the body or may be localized in an area such as the groin.
Lump in Groin Symptoms
When a lump develops in the groin, it may be accompanied by other symptoms that include:
- Itchy skin
- Pus or discharge
- Redness, warmth or swelling
- Skin discoloration, such as bruising
- Tenderness or pain
- Ulcerations or other types of sores
Other symptoms that may occur along with a groin lump may accompany symptoms related to other body systems. Such symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Fatigue
- Fever and chills
- General ill feeling
- Nausea with or without vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unusual sweating
- Vaginal or penile discharge
There are some cases you may experience a lump in groin accompanied by symptoms that might indicate a serious or life-threatening condition and require immediate evaluation. You are advised to seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms:
- Area of increasing swelling with severe tenderness
- Change in bowel habits, such as inability to have bowel movements or pass gas
- High fever
- Not producing any urine
- Rapid heart rate
- Severe abdominal, pelvic or leg pain
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- Weak pulse
Lump in Groin Causes
In general a groin lump is that pimple that appears in the groin area where the legs and trunk connect. These lumps can vary in sizes and shape, with pain or without pain basing on what caused them to form. In some conditions, it can be a single lump or more. See your doctor as soon as possible if you have a groin lump.
We are going to look at some of the causes of lump in the groin area ranging from swollen lymph nodes, to poor shaving that may result into an ingrown hair bump. Below are some causes of lump your groin:
- A Cysts
This is said to be the most common cause of lumps that develop down there. A cyst is usually non-cancerous and benign in nature. After some time, cysts may start enlarging causing a lot of pain or discomfort. As much as they are not a cause of alarm, there are other lumps that may require your attention.
- Swollen lymph nodes
When you develop any illness or an infection such as the flu or cold, the lump in your groin region may be a swollen lymph node. Normally, the lymph nodes will flare up at the same time as your lymph glands, which can be found in your armpits, or in your throat.
The swelling of the lymph nodes happens in an attempt to mobilize an immune response against foreign particles and bacteria present in the body. In many cases, the swelling in your lymph nodes will subside as soon as the illness goes away.
- Hernia
This normally feels like soft, but very large lump in the groin region. A hernia will normally take place when your abdominal tissue or intestines start to push through an opening that is meant to act as a boundary.
For instance, your intestines could break through a weakened area in your abdominal wall. Weakness or defect in an abdominal wall, combined with muscle strain will usually lead to this issue,
- Sexually Transmitted Infections lumps
Some STIs may cause lump in groin area mainly because of the swelling attributed to the lymph nodes. They include Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Herpes and Chlamydia
There are also STIs that will cause a cluster of lumps, which could form sores or break open. For an STI to heal, medical attention must be provided.
- Saphena Varix
This is a lump that develops in the groin area and disappears whenever the affected person lies down. Saphena varix is a lump that occurs when the valve in the saphenous vein is unable to open correctly to allow blood to flow through, hence leading to the collection of blood inside this vein.
This condition causes blood to lumps in groin area of women, which are golf-ball sized and which often have a blue tinge. It is likely to develop in people who have varicose veins. The varicose veins are enlarged veins, which normally occur in your feet or legs. This condition is not common though.
- Inflammation of genital organs
Anatomical structure of the female urogenital system contributes to easy access of bacteria to the vagina, urethra and bladder. Inflammation caused by different agents is often accompanied by regional lymphadenitis. Internal groin lump in women can be detected by palpation or visually and this lump is an inflamed lymph node.
- Allergic reaction
Allergy can cause you to develop a bump in the groin. Some rashes may develop maybe due to allergy caused by the type of clothing fabrics you are putting on. Lymph nodes can be enlarged in response to allergens as well. If you found a groin lump on the left or on the right side, recall the medications you have probably taken the day before or exotic food you have tried also.
- Inflammation of a sebaceous gland
Purulent groin lump in groin can be a result of a boil. The predisposing factors for this condition are excessive sweating in the groin area, improper intimate hygiene, injuries caused by shaving or waxing. A boil is a skin infection of a hair follicle. At the stage of its maturation, a woman experiences local pain and can notice the change in the skin color. Typically, a boil matures and opens within 7-10 days.
- Inflammation of a sweat gland
If you happen to develop a painful groin lump, this can be due to pathogenic bacteria entered sweat glands. Skin epithelium contains a lot of sweat and sebaceous glands. If you ignore personal hygiene, hidradenitis can relapse repeatedly. The disease is usually caused by bacteria and effectively treated by the methods of a local therapy.
- Inflammation of Bartholin’s gland
If inflammation is located in the Bartholin’s gland, a groin lump is to the right or to the left side of the groin. Bartholinitis can occur because an agent entered the gland during unsafe sex or as a result of improper personal hygiene. This is a painful process and is accompanied by changes in the skin color around the affected gland and swelling.
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Pea Sized Lump in Groin Female
Also, lumps that develop in your groin can be large or small-pea size, and may grow or remain in the same size. Groin lump in women may be hard or movable depending on the underlying cause. The lump could appear as one or in a group. Lumps that appear in women’s groin area under skin may be sore, red, swollen and painful causing even movement difficulties especially when it is in the bikini line.
The formation of any growth is always an alarming sign and fears about one’s health. Women especially strongly react to any changes in their body. They do not necessarily worry about their health but usually they get upset their appearance and beauty. Groin lump in women is an alarming signal which cannot be ignored. This growth is not just a cosmetic defect but it can indicate some pathological processes in a woman’s body.
If a woman noticed groin bump, she should see a doctor. If a lump is caused by some disease, it is important to start the therapy as early as possible.
Swollen Lymph Nodes in Groin Male
Your lymphatic system is a network of organs, vessels and lymph nodes situated throughout your body. Lymph nodes are located in the head, neck armpit and groin region. These sophisticated organs swell up whenever the affected person is undergoing an infection.
A lymph node is a small, round or bean-shaped cluster of cells covered by a capsule of connective tissue. The cells in male are a combination of lymphocytes which produce protein particles that capture invaders, such as viruses and macrophages, which break down the captured material. Lymphocytes and macrophages filter your lymphatic fluid as it travels through your body and protect you by destroying invaders.
When someone is under an infection either in any area of the body or in the groin to be specific, the lymph nodes will swell up. Lymph nodes are located in groups, and each group drains a specific area of your body. Also, the site of the swollen lymph nodes may help identify the underlying cause.
Cyst in Groin Causes
Cyst on inner thigh can be small, big, hard or soft. When inflamed, red bumps between thighs can be painful and cause a lot of discomfort. A lump in groin which is a cyst can cause bulge, bump, contusion, or swollen area on the thigh. Cyst might be brought by any number of the conditions, including the infections, inflammation as well as trauma.
Causes of cyst in the groin may be:
- Staph Infections
More serious bacterial infections can lead to an abscess down there. They are mostly accompanied by the pain, redness and swelling in the area. You can also notice a cyst that is forming around the groin area, especially if the condition is with gangrene.
When the hair follicle is damaged by the scratch or any other break in the skin, the bacteria is thus able to move deeper into the follicular tissues, leading to an infection and thus a boil. Boils can appear after taking of antibiotics and are very common in diabetic and the immune compromised people.
- Boils or Abscesses
An abscess may be caused by the staph aureus bacteria that infiltrate the skin leading to pain, skin swelling, redness and cysts in groin. The main treatment for abscesses and boils in groin is to apply a warm compress to the affected skin spot and take medication. There may be need to have it lanced by the doctor. Elevating the leg can assist to reduce the swelling of the affected area.
- Sebaceous Cyst
These are the growths that have fluid, or any other substances. They then develop under the skin in any part of the body. Sebaceous cysts feel like a small ball and may then be moved around slightly.
Lump in Groin area Female Cancer
Be careful if your groin lump appears to be coming from below the skin, it can be cancerous. A normal lump that is due to injury or even a body growth shrinks or goes away in very few days. If your lump is from the tumors and are not in any way treated, this might lead to a life-threatening situation. Even if they are not the result of cancer, tumors may spread easily if they come close to the bone or to blood vessels.
Usually, the tumors in the groin area are benign and they are developed as lipomas or atheroma’s. Lymph node cancer can also develop and this condition should be distinguished from a common lymph node enlargement.
Even if you feel that you are absolutely healthy and apart from the groin growth you have no other alarming symptoms, it is still necessary to undergo a medical examination. If a groin lump is painless and does not bring any discomfort, you should see a surgeon to exclude an inguinal hernia or benign tumors of adipose tissue or vessels. If you are feeling ill, consult an infectious disease specialist or an STD and skin specialist.
Lump in Groin Treatment
Because there are so many possible causes of a groin lump, your doctor will need to ask you a series of questions. This will include questions about your current health and if you’ve been experiencing any other symptoms. You may have a blood test to check for signs of infection. Your doctor will feel your lymph nodes for inflammation.
The treatment you receive will depend on the cause of the groin lump:
- Your doctor may recommend surgery to remove a cyst if it’s large or painful.
- A hernia may require surgery to move the tissue back into place and close the hole in the boundary tissue.
- Swollen glands will typically go down in time, but your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to treat an underlying infection.
While cysts and swollen glands aren’t likely to cause any long-term complications, a hernia can be fatal if you don’t get treatment for it quickly. An incarcerated hernia occurs when part of the intestine becomes trapped in the abdominal wall, causing a bowel obstruction. This can lead to vomiting, severe pain, and nausea. A strangulated hernia is a medical emergency. It occurs when part of the intestine is trapped, cutting off blood flow. This condition can quickly lead to the death of intestinal tissue and requires emergency surgery.
STIs that cause groin lumps, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, can lead to infertility if left untreated. Infections such as syphilis can cause blindness, paralysis, and dementia. All STIs require medication to treat and can easily spread to others through unprotected vaginal or oral sex.
Home Remedies for Lump in Groin Region
The following home remedies can be used to treat lump on groin area. In case the symptoms persist while you use your home remedy, you should seek medical advice from your doctor.
- Warm Compress
This is a time-tested home remedy used to help reduce the swelling that comes with lump in groin area. The warm temperature from the compress will help in increasing your blood circulation, and this will, in turn, play an important role in helping reduce groin lump swelling, as well as the pain that comes from the swelling.
- Massage
Massaging the lymph nodes located around the groin area will also help with the bumps and lumps. Massaging them will help stimulate your lymph nodes, which help them begin to function in a normal manner. With time, the swelling will begin to subside
Also, massaging helps in eliminating and reducing the impurities that have accumulated in your nodes.
- Salt Water compress
Salt water will be beneficial in helping reduce the swelling of the lymph nodes. For swelling in the throat, you will need to gargle salt water while for lump in groin, you should place the salt water in your groin region.
- Garlic
It contains anti-inflammatory properties, which have been known to help in reducing swelling of the lymph nodes, which causes lump in groin. It is considered an antibiotic food which can help cleanse your system, ease the symptoms that you are experiencing, as well as promote healing Ensure you eat three raw garlic cloves on a daily basis
- Apple Cider Vinegar
An additional effective home remedy is the utilization of Apple Cider Vinegar for treating lump in groin region. The vinegar plays an important role in the creation of an alkaline environment in your body, as well as in maintaining a healthy pH level. Organic apple cider vinegar is a very good home remedy for rash, pimples and bumps
Also, it contains antibacterial properties, which help in fighting away any infection, which may be causing the painful bumps in groin area. Make a solution from it and just dub some of it on the affected area.
- Honey
Honey is another readily available home remedy that plays a very important role when it comes to treating lump in groin area, as well as swollen lymph nodes. It contains anti-inflammatory properties, which help in easing pain and swelling. Also, it has antibacterial properties, which help in fighting infections that may be causing the emergence or bumps and lumps in the pelvic region.
Mix two tablespoons of raw honey with a small amount of lemon juice in a single cup of water drink this mixture two times each day for duration of one week
- Castor Oil
It contains analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, could also be used in helping take care of the lump in groin area. It plays a significant role in helping reduce the swelling of the lymph nodes, which cause this problem.
Castor oil has also been known to help in improving the flow of lymph through the body, and in doing so, it helps in removing toxins. The removal of toxin will help reduce the size of your swollen lymph nodes, which will, in turn, ensure that the bump in groin area reduces in size.
- Turmeric
Turmeric is a therapeutic herb that is very effective in reducing the swelling that is associated with lymph glands that have become enlarged. The herb comes with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which will help in reducing swelling, and in helping deal with the pain as well.
Turmeric will also be able to help fight infections, and facilitate healing of the lump in groin area. Mix a single tablespoon of turmeric powder with enough honey to help make a paste. Take the paste made from honey and turmeric powder and apply it to your lump in the groin region.
More references
- Causes of lump in the groin: http://www.healthline.com/symptom/groin-lump
- Groin lump: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003100.htm
- Lumps in the groin and scrotum: https://patient.info/doctor/lumps-in-the-groin-and-scrotum
- Swollen lymph nodes : http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/swollen-lymph-nodes/symptoms-causes/dxc-20258981
- Hard lump in the groin: https://www.jostrust.org.uk/node/9993