- Groin swelling is a sign of fluid buildup or inflammation in the groin area.
- The groin area is basically where your abdomen ends and your legs begin. The groin is also called the inguinal area and includes your upper inner thigh, as well as the front area where your legs attach to your torso.
- The swollen area of the groin may appear as a lump that is solid and firm or soft to the touch, and it may be tender and painful.
- In men, groin swelling may also refer to swelling of the scrotum or the testicles within the scrotum.
- Groin swelling can be due to serious infections, inflammation, trauma, malignancy (cancer), and other abnormal processes, such as a hernia, pulled muscle, or testicular torsion.
- Depending on the cause, groin swelling can begin suddenly and disappear quickly, such as after a mild allergic reaction.
- Groin swelling that develops over time and occurs along with additional symptoms may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
- Because groin swelling or a lump in your groin can be a symptom of a life-threatening condition, such as testicular cancer in men, you should seek prompt medical care and talk with your medical professional about your symptoms.
What other symptoms might occur with groin swelling?
- Groin swelling may be accompanied by other symptoms depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition.
- For example, groin swelling due to an infection may be accompanied by fever, redness, and warmth around the affected area.
- Symptoms that may occur along with groin swelling include:-
- Conjunctivitis
- Flu-like symptoms (fatigue, fever, sore throat, headache, cough, aches and pains)
- Loss of appetite
- Pain or itching in the genital area
- Painful urination
- Rectal discharge
- Swollen lymph nodes in the groin or elsewhere
- Bleeding symptoms, such as bloody urine or bloody stools
- Increased or decreased urine output
- Lower abdominal pain
- Redness and warmth in the groin area
- Unusual rectal discharge
- Yellow, pus-like discharge from the penis.
What causes groin swelling?
- Groin swelling can be caused by relatively minor conditions, such as a lipoma (a fatty growth) or small hernia that is not causing any other symptoms.
- Groin swelling can also be caused by a wide variety of infectious diseases that lead to swelling of the lymph nodes in the groin area.
- In some cases, groin swelling is a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition, such as testicular torsion or malignancy (cancer).
Investigation:-
- To diagnose the underlying cause of groin swelling, your doctor will ask you several questions related to your symptoms.
- You can best help your health care practitioner in diagnosing the underlying cause of groin swelling by providing complete answers to the questions.
Treatment:-
- You should seek medical attention as soon as possible after noticing a groin swelling.
- The doctor will do your physical evaluation and also advice some test to rule out the exact cause of swelling and start the treatment accordingly.
