What Causes Swelling and Pain in the Groin Lymph Nodes in Women?

Infections

• Localized Infections: Infections in the lower extremities, such as cellulitis or abscesses, can lead to swelling of the nearby lymph nodes as they respond to the infection.
• Systemic Infections: Viral infections (like mononucleosis or HIV) and bacterial infections (such as sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea or chlamydia) can cause generalized lymphadenopathy, including in the groin area.

Inflammatory Conditions

• Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can lead to lymphadenopathy due to systemic inflammation.
• Sarcoidosis: This inflammatory disease can cause swollen lymph nodes in various regions, including the groin.

Malignancies

• Lymphoma: Both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma can present with swollen lymph nodes, including those in the groin.
• Metastatic Cancer: Cancers from other areas of the body, such as breast or melanoma, can spread to the lymph nodes in the groin, causing swelling and pain.

Benign Conditions

• Reactive Lymphadenopathy: This occurs when lymph nodes enlarge in response to a benign condition, such as a recent infection or vaccination.
• Lipomas or Cysts: Non-cancerous growths in the groin area can sometimes be mistaken for swollen lymph nodes.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you experience swelling and pain in the groin lymph nodes, it is important to consult a healthcare provider, especially if:

• The swelling persists for more than a couple of weeks.
• You have accompanying symptoms such as fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or persistent fatigue.
• The lymph nodes are hard, fixed, or growing in size.

What to Expect at the Appointment

During your visit, the healthcare provider will likely:

• Take a Medical History: Discuss your symptoms, recent infections, and any other relevant health information.
• Perform a Physical Examination: Assess the swollen lymph nodes and check for other signs of infection or illness.
• Order Diagnostic Tests: Depending on the findings, blood tests, imaging studies (like ultrasound), or a biopsy may be necessary to determine the underlying cause.