I have a lump inside my groin with moving skin. What could it be?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am an 18-year-old male. I have a lump on the inside of my groin. It is about the size of a 5 cent Australian piece, and I can feel it under my skin almost as if the skin moves over the top of it. So, I do not think it is a dermatological thing. I have little spots around my pubic area but I think that is because of the hairs.

This feels like something different. It does not look inflamed from the outside, and it is not sore to touch (just a bit tender). It feels like it rolls underneath my skin but stays in the same spot obviously.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

If I am not wrong 5 cents Australian piece is around 2 cm in size. As you have described, it is a lymph node in your inguinal region. The human body has about 600 lymph nodes. Their role is to clean antigens from the extracellular fluid. It helps in fighting inflammation and infection.

Lymphadenopathy (LAP) is the term to describe the conditions in which lymph nodes become abnormal in size, consistency, and number. A normal-sized lymph node is usually less than 1 cm in diameter. An inguinal lymph node size up to 1.5 cm should be considered normal.

Lymphadenopathy can be called generalized when it affects two or more parts of the body. Enlarged lymph nodes associated with significant fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss (more than 10% in less than six months) are considered as red flags. It required an urgent evaluation for lymphoma. Those are not present in your case.

Pain and tenderness on a lymph node is a non-specific finding. It is typically due to minor infection. Other causes of the inguinal lymph node are benign reactive lymphadenopathy, sexually transmitted disease, cellulitis or local infection, etc. Benign reactive inguinal lymphadenopathy is seen in patients who walk barefooted outdoors.

If it is tender you can take Paracetamol. Keep watch. Avoid walking barefoot. Keep hygiene of your private parts. If it persists and associated pain or fever or other site engaged lymph nodes, you will need an evaluation.

I hope this helps. Regards.