Groin lump

Alternative names:

hernia; lump in the groin

Home care:

Follow the therapy prescribed by your health care provider.

Call your health care provider if:

• there are groin lumps that persist more than 3 weeks.
• an unexplained groin lump is present.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting your symptom in detail may include:

• time pattern
  • When did the lump develop?
  • Did it occur suddenly or develop slowly?
  • Is it always present or does it come and go?

• location
  • Is it on one side or both?
  • How big is it?

• other
  • Does it get larger when coughing or straining?
  • What is the sexual history (detailed questions may be asked)?
  • Has there been any unusual physical activity recently?
  • What other symptoms are also present?

The physical examination may include palpation (touch) of lymph nodes in the groin and elsewhere. A genital or pelvic examination may be performed.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• liver function tests
• kidney function tests
• liver-spleen scan
• lymph node biopsy
• lymphangiography
• routine blood studies such as a CBC or blood differential
• test for syphilis

Intervention:
Treatments may include antibiotics if appropriate. For a hernia, surgery may be recommended.

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to a groin lump, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.