What swollen lymph nodes in the groin mean

Swollen lymph nodes are an indication that the immune system is working harder. If the groin area is specifically affected, this narrows down the list of possible causes. What can be behind swollen lymph nodes in the groin.

If you can feel one or more bumps in your groin, you may have swollen lymph nodes.

Normally, the lymph nodes are only a few millimeters in size – but if they are swollen, they can be up to a centimeter in size. There are many different types of swollen lymph nodes in the groin. The tissue knots can be firm or rather soft. They can be painless or painful and can occur on one or both sides. The location and condition of the swollen lymph nodes already give clues as to what the cause might be.

Already knew?

As part of the immune system, the lymph nodes act as small filter stations whose defense cells recognize pathogens, degenerated cells or other foreign substances and render them harmless. The lymph nodes in the groin are also known as inguinal lymph nodes.

Swollen lymph nodes in the groin: possible causes
If the lymph nodes in the groin are swollen, local infections in the surrounding body regions are often the cause. The immune cells of the lymph nodes are then more active and try to ward off invaders such as viruses or bacteria.

Swollen lymph nodes in the groin can also occur with diseases that affect the whole body (systemic diseases). Then enlarged lymph nodes are often found in other parts of the body.

Possible causes of swollen lymph nodes in the groin are for example

Infectious diseases such as glandular fever, measles, rubella, HIV,
Sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis, soft chancre, lymphogranuloma venereum or genital herpes,
Infections of the legs/feet, such as erysipelas,
Cancer diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma, penile cancer or vulvar cancer.
Swollen lymph nodes in the groin due to infectious diseases
The lymph nodes in the groin (and other parts of the body) can become swollen in a variety of systemic — that is, affecting the whole body — infectious diseases. Some examples:

One possible cause of enlarged lymph nodes is glandular fever (mononucleosis), which mainly affects adolescents and young adults. The viral infection is manifested by swollen lymph nodes, a sore throat, enlarged tonsils and fever. The spleen is also often enlarged. If the lymph nodes are swollen, this usually affects the neck. But swelling can also occur in the armpits or on both sides of the groin.

Childhood illnesses are also often responsible for swollen lymph nodes in various parts of the body. For example rubella: In addition to a skin rash, fever, cold-like symptoms, conjunctivitis and enlarged lymph nodes are among the possible symptoms. Especially behind the ears and in the neck, enlarged lymph nodes can be found with rubella, but the tissue nodes can also swell in the groin.

Swollen lymph nodes in the groin from STDs

If lymph nodes in the groin region are swollen, various sexually transmitted diseases can be the cause. Some examples:

Syphilis (syphilis) is triggered by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, which is mainly transmitted through sexual contact. Around 14 to 24 days after infection, a small nodule forms where the pathogens entered the body – mostly in the genital area – and develops into an ulcer. At the same time, the lymph nodes in the groin often swell.

Bacteria from the Chlamydia group can also cause various diseases. One of them is the sexually transmitted disease lymphogranuloma venereum. At the point of entry, a painless blister forms about 5 to 21 days after infection, which often goes unnoticed. As the disease progresses, the lymph nodes in the groin and thighs swell (usually on one side). The swelling is very painful, and blood or pus may ooze from the lymph nodes. In addition, those affected feel significantly ill and have a fever.

Ulcus molle (soft chancre), which is also caused by bacteria, causes ulcers on the vagina or penis. In addition, surrounding lymph nodes can become inflamed and swollen.

Swollen lymph nodes in the groin: is it cancer?

Swollen lymph nodes in the groin are often relatively harmless. Rarely, there is a malignant disease behind it, for example leukemia or a malignant lymphoma. In the case of malignant lymphoma, certain white blood cells in the lymphatic system are abnormal: the lymphocytes. They multiply uncontrollably and spread throughout the body. Swollen lymph nodes in the groin or elsewhere on the body are one of several possible symptoms.

If the lymph nodes in the groin in particular are swollen, tumors in the surrounding areas of the body can also be behind it. These include, for example, penile or vulvar cancer.

In the context of cancer, swollen lymph nodes in the groin are usually not painful, so they often go unnoticed for a long time. Conversely, however, this does not mean that a painlessly enlarged lymph node is evidence of cancer.

Lymph nodes in the groin swollen: when to see a doctor?

Swollen lymph nodes in the groin are often nothing to worry about. However, diseases that require treatment can also be hidden behind it. If the swelling lasts longer without an apparent cause, you should seek medical advice after three to four weeks at the latest – regardless of whether the lymph nodes hurt or not.

A quicker visit to the doctor is recommended if the lymph nodes in the groin become very swollen and/or if other symptoms occur – for example fever, unexplained weight loss or night sweats. The first point of contact for swollen lymph nodes in the groin can be the general practitioner.