Inguinal region

Genital lymphedema is a buildup of fluid causing swelling in the soft tissues of the genital (crotch) area. A blockage or breakdown of the lymphatic system leads to leakage of lymph (fluid) into surrounding tissues. Standard treatment includes complex decongestive therapy, which uses a combination of drainage, compression bandages, pumps and exercise to ease the swelling. Overview What is genital lymphedema? Genital lymphedema is a buildup of fluid that causes swelling in the soft tissues of the genital area. What parts of the lymph system are involved in genital lymphedema? • Lymph: A clear to slightly yellowish fluid that delivers immune system cells (white blood cells) to the bloodstream. Lymph removes bacteria and certain proteins from the blood. It also circulates fat from the small intestine. • Lymph vessels: Thin tubes that carry lymph throughout the body and return it to the bloodstream through a large vein near the heart. • Lymph nodes: Small, bean-shaped structures that store white blood cells and filter lymph. They’re found all along the lymph system but in greater number under the arms and in the pelvis, groin, neck and abdomen. What are the two types of genital lymphedema? • Primary: This type is a result of abnormal development of the lymphatic system. Symptoms may occur at birth or years later. • Secondary: This type is caused by something outside the person’s body. Causes include: • Treatment (surgery or radiation) of malignant tumors in the genital region,...

Overview A retractile testicle is a testicle that may move back and forth between the scrotum and the groin. When the retractile testicle is residing in the groin, it might be easily guided by hand into its proper position in the scrotum — the bag of skin hanging behind the penis — during a physical exam. Upon release, the testicle will remain in the proper position at least temporarily. For most boys, the problem of a retractile testicle goes away sometime before or during puberty. The testicle moves to its correct location in the scrotum and stays there permanently. Sometimes the retractile testicle remains in the groin and is no longer movable. When this happens, the condition is called an ascending testicle or an acquired undescended testicle. Symptoms Testicles form in the abdomen during fetal development. During the final months of development, the testicles gradually descend into the scrotum. If this descent isn't completed at birth, the testicle usually descends within a few months. If your son has a retractile testicle, the testicle originally descended as it should, but doesn't remain in place. Signs and symptoms of a retractile testicle include: • The testicle may be moved by hand from the groin into the scrotum and won't immediately retreat to the groin. • The testicle might spontaneously appear in the scrotum and remain there for a time. • The testicle might spontaneously disappear again for a time. Retractile testicle is different from undescended testicle (c...

The most common cause of groin pain is a muscle, tendon or ligament strain, particularly in athletes who play sports such as hockey, soccer and football. Groin pain might occur immediately after an injury, or pain might come on gradually over a period of weeks or even months. Groin pain might be worsened by continued use of the injured area. Less commonly, a bone injury or fracture, a hernia, or even kidney stones might cause groin pain. Although testicle pain and groin pain are different, a testicle condition can sometimes cause pain that spreads to the groin area. Direct and indirect causes of groin pain can include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • Piriformis syndrome • • • • • • • • • • • • To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. • Johnson R, et al. Approach to hip and groin pain in the athlete and active adult. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Sept. 25, 2017. • McMahon P, et al. Sports me...

Overview What are lymph nodes? Lymph nodes are small, rounded structures (glands) that are part of your Lymph nodes are in clusters throughout the body, including: • Behind your earlobes. • On the sides of your neck. • Under your armpits. • In the top inner part of the leg (groin). What are the inguinal lymph nodes? These lymph nodes are deep within the groin. There are 10 inguinal nodes near the upper thigh in each leg. What does it mean to have swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy)? Under normal circumstances, you might not notice your lymph nodes. When they try to rid the body of harmful substances, extra cell activity causes them to enlarge. The area beneath your skin becomes puffy and may be sensitive to touch. How do swollen inguinal lymph nodes affect my body? Symptoms and Causes What causes swollen lymph nodes in the groin? Swelling in the inguinal lymph nodes may be due to: • • Jock itch. • • Skin infection ( What other conditions cause swollen inguinal lymph nodes? Less common causes include: Autoimmune disorders • Amyloidosis. • • • Inflammation • Cancer • • Lymphoma. • • • Medications • • • • • Diagnosis and Tests How are swollen lymph nodes in the groin diagnosed? Healthcare providers will take a medical history and perform a thorough physical exam that considers all possible causes. It includes: Taking a medical history by asking about: • Symptoms: What they feel like and how long you’ve had them. • Personal health history: Conditions you have received treatm...

A groin lump refers to any lump that appears in the groin area where the legs and trunk connect. The lump can vary in shape and size and may or may not be painful. You may have a single lump or a collection of lumps in the groin. Some lumps may be mobile. A groin lump may remain skin-colored, or it may turn red or purple depending on the color of your skin. Some groin lumps may ulcerate, or break open, and form sores. The shape and appearance of a groin lump depend on the cause. Keep reading to learn the different causes of groin lumps, how to treat them, and how to know if you should consult a doctor. Many causes of groin lumps are benign. But some groin lumps can be indicators of a more serious condition. Cysts Many groin lumps are cysts. Cysts are benign, or noncancerous lumps. They may enlarge to cause pain or discomfort. Swollen glands If you have an infection or illness, such as a cold, flu, or mononucleosis, your groin lump could be a Your lymph nodes swell to mobilize an immune response against bacteria and foreign particles. The swelling should go away once the illness does. Genitourinary infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) may also cause lymph node inflammation in the groin region. Hernia A You can also get a hernia in the groin area. A defect, or weakness, in the abdominal wall coupled with muscle strain usually causes this. Hernias require urgent medical attention. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Some • • • • Some STIs Saphena varix If yo...

Inguinal hernia Inguinal hernias occur when part of the membrane lining the abdominal cavity (omentum) or intestine protrudes through a weak spot in the abdomen — often along the inguinal canal, which carries the spermatic cord in men. An inguinal hernia occurs when tissue, such as part of the intestine, protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. The resulting bulge can be painful, especially when you cough, bend over or lift a heavy object. However, many hernias do not cause pain. An inguinal hernia isn't necessarily dangerous. It doesn't improve on its own, however, and can lead to life-threatening complications. Your doctor is likely to recommend surgery to fix an inguinal hernia that's painful or enlarging. Inguinal hernia repair is a common surgical procedure. Symptoms Inguinal hernia signs and symptoms include: • A bulge in the area on either side of your pubic bone, which becomes more obvious when you're upright, especially if you cough or strain • A burning or aching sensation at the bulge • Pain or discomfort in your groin, especially when bending over, coughing or lifting • A heavy or dragging sensation in your groin • Weakness or pressure in your groin • Occasionally, pain and swelling around the testicles when the protruding intestine descends into the scrotum Signs and symptoms in children Inguinal hernias in newborns and children result from a weakness in the abdominal wall that's present at birth. Sometimes the hernia will be visible only when a...

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Swollen lymph nodes in the groin are often caused by infections or injuries affecting the lower body, but they can also be a sign of something more serious. A doctor can help determine the cause and best course of treatment. Lymph nodes are tiny glands that play an essential role in your body’s immune system. Your body’s cells and tissues dispose of waste in lymphatic fluid. Your lymph nodes then filter out foreign substances, including Normal lymph nodes are approximately the size of a pea. When they come into contact with foreign substances in lymphatic fluid, they may swell. Lymph nodes can grow significantly, sometimes getting as big as a tennis ball. Lymph nodes in the groin are also called inguinal lymph nodes. Swollen lymph nodes in the groin can be caused by an injury or skin infection anywhere in the leg, such as athlete’s foot. More often than not, swollen inguinal lymph nodes are caused by infections or injury affecting the lower body. This can include the: • groin • genitals • urinary tract • leg • foot Examples of these include: • Athlete’s foot: a fungal infection that usually begins with a scaly • Jock itch: a fungal infection that causes a red, itchy • Vaginal or penile yeast infection: a common infection caused by an Candida • Urinary tract infection (UTI): a common infection that can affect any part of the • Cellulitis: a common and potentially • Balanitis: a • Prostatitis: a • Cystitis: • Genital herpes: an • Gonorrhea: a very • Syphilis: a • HIV: a • Ca...