Groin lump

Definition

Lump in the groin-type area. (This is not the perineum. It's the bits where the creases between leg and torso are.)

Epidemiology

Clinical and Associated Features

• Inguinal hernia - more prominent on coughing, straining or standing (often disappears on lying down). Bulge can extend into genital region. Usually not painful. If it cannot be put back in, it is a

Medical Emergency - Irreducible inguinal hernia can develop gangrene and ischaemia with fatal consequences. Fatality is generally to be avoided in medicine.

• Lymphadenopathy - generally, look for signs of a haematological cancer (weight loss, anorexia, night sweats, bone pain, fever)
• Aneurysm - you can get femoral artery aneurysm. Pretty uncommon. Pulsatile mass in femoral region.

Differential Diagnosis

• Hernia -inguinal or femoral
• Lymphadenopathy - haematological cancer or obstruction
• Vascular - aneurysm, infected injection site