Inflammation of the inguinal lymph nodes: treatment and causes.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin area is called inguinal lymphadenitis.

This process almost always signals acute inflammation in the area of the external and internal genital organs.

The presence of clinical signs of such inflammation (dense, painful nodes in the lower abdomen in the area of the inguinal ligaments) requires an in-depth examination, identification of the causes of lymphadenitis and their treatment.

In most cases, it is a consequence of a pathological process in the area of the external and internal genital organs.

In order to identify the causes and subsequent effective treatment aimed at eliminating the impact of the main etiological factor.

The main causes of inflammation of the inguinal lymph nodes

Lymph nodes are represented by lymphoid tissue, which contains cells of the immune system.

They perform a protective function by collecting and purifying lymph, which flows through lymphatic vessels from certain areas of the body.

That is, these important organs of the lymphatic system serve as something like filters that prevent pathogenic agents from spreading throughout the organs and systems of the body.

Inflammation of the inguinal lymph nodes develops due to the presence of foreign agents (bacteria, viruses, protozoan unicellular microorganisms, cancer cells) or toxins in the lymph, the outflow of which occurs from:

pelvic organs, primarily the internal genital organs
rectum
tissues of the groin area (external genitalia, skin, subcutaneous tissue and connective tissue)

A common cause of the inflammatory pathological process of tissues and organs of this localization is an infection with sexual transmission.

The source of infection can be located in any part of the genital organs, in the rectum, in the groin area, or thighs.

Inflammation of the inguinal lymph nodes can be caused by several groups of pathogens of sexually transmitted infections:

Specific bacteria - chlamydia, Treponema pallidum, mycoplasma, ureaplasma.
Herpes simplex virus, human papillomavirus.
The simplest unicellular microorganisms are Trichomonas .
Fungi, in particular yeast, candida.

A peculiarity of these pathogens is their localization in the structures of the urogenital tract.

In addition to such microbes, inflammation in the groin is also caused by nonspecific flora - strepto and staphylococci, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella, Proteus and others.

During their life, toxins, as well as the microorganisms themselves, can enter the inguinal lymph nodes with the lymph flow, causing their inflammation.

Inguinal lymphadenitis can be the result of an infectious process caused by a nonspecific bacterial infection (staphylococci, streptococci, E. coli).

Which does not have strict specificity for the organs of the genitourinary system.

Sometimes inflammation of the lymph nodes develops as a result of an oncological process (the formation of a malignant neoplasm) in the organs of the urogenital tract.

Lymphadenitis - a lump in the groin area

11.11.2021

There are many unusual inflammatory tumors, malignant and benign neoplasms on the human body. Neutralizing each of them requires its own special approach. A lump in the groin area can be represented by either a small swelling or a massive formation.

In any case, such an anomaly should be shown to an experienced doctor . During the examination, the latter will probably prescribe a number of medical procedures. Well, then everything will depend on the type of growth that appears. Most likely, the formation will disappear on its own after a few days, but there are situations when surgical removal is clearly unavoidable.

Lump in the groin in men - causes and treatment

A lump in the groin in men is the very first symptom of inflammatory processes in the lymph nodes. And in this case, it clearly smells like hernia Diagnosis of such a disease is carried out through self-examination or medical examination. This will only give a superficial idea of the severity of the disease. Next you need to undergo a more serious examination.

This type of formation appears in men in the upper part of the inguinal fold. The size of their healthy lymph nodes can be compared to a bean, but when it becomes inflamed, the size increases, literally, to a walnut. When a lump appears in the groin, males feel a sharp or dull pain in this area. In addition to the above symptoms of the inflammatory process, there is also a significant increase in body temperature.

Lymphadenitis in the groin area can occur due to infection with a variety of genital infections. Among the latter, viruses are often observed. In this case, treatment will be more predictable than in the presence of malignant or benign tumors. Lymph nodes can become inflamed during prostatitis . And during the course of various types testicular A male lump in the groin is more rarely observed as a consequence of swelling of the scrotum. But for children (boys), this disease is explained by the fact that the testicle does not descend from the abdominal cavity.

Lymphadenitis (inflammation of the male inguinal lymph nodes), which appears between the groin and also the leg, can be removed by modern doctors not only through surgery. There are many medications on sale, the use of which promotes complete resorption of inflammatory formations.

A lump on the pubis in representatives of the stronger sex may also appear after a sudden weakening of the muscles that are located in the wall of the abdominal cavity. Moreover, such a nuisance can provoke not only enormous physical exertion, but even a severe cough. Because of all this, intestinal loops often protrude directly under the skin. Thus, a hernial sac is literally instantly formed and unprecedented pain appears in the groin, which is unbearable. When a hernia is subjected to excessive stress under the influence of physical stress, the skin that is located above it swells very quickly, acquiring a red tint. If a hernia is strangulated, you obviously cannot avoid surgical medical intervention.

Lump in the groin in women - causes and treatment

A lump in the groin in women can also occur due to a variety of factors. There are a lot of variations in the process of treating a lump near the groin. Most often, representatives of the fairer sex discover such formations on their own. Well, then, it’s up to the doctors . Most likely, they will diagnose you with harmful enlarged lymph nodes. In this case, it is necessary to identify the causes of damage to these natural protective barriers of the body. Viral infections are considered the most common of them.

In case of inflammatory processes in the organs of the female reproductive system, a lump under the skin in the groin can be treated faster and more productively than in the case of cancer. The most trouble awaits you when malignant processes appear in the body. Even the use of high-precision instrumental examination, including computed tomography or biopsy, does not always help to identify all the nuances regarding tumors.

And finally, remember that it is better to show the above abnormal formations that appear on the body to a doctor , since only medical professionals can promptly save you from the serious consequences of illnesses. And it doesn’t matter whether the lump is in the groin on the right, left or in the center - the main thing is that such an anomaly needs to be eliminated.

Published in Lymphology Premium Clinic

Clinical manifestations

Inguinal lymphadenitis, as a rule, is acute. The process can be one-way or two-way.

In this case, inflammation of the lymph nodes is accompanied by the following symptoms:

The appearance of enlarged formations under the skin in the groin area.
The size varies - from a large bean to a pigeon egg.
Pain when moving the hips or palpating the lymph nodes.
Redness of the skin over enlarged lymph nodes.
The general condition may change - the temperature rises, weakness appears.

In severe cases, inflammation leads to the fact that these immune filters are soldered together into large conglomerates.

This is followed by their abscess formation and the formation of cavities filled with pus.

Sometimes inflammation of the inguinal lymph nodes is noted earlier than signs of the infection itself appear; this is typical for syphilis and herpes.

But more often, everything happens the other way around - in the groin , perineum or thighs, which then leads to the development of inguinal lymphadenitis.

Possible complications

Inguinal lymphadenectomy is an unpleasant operation and is accompanied by the risk of developing some complications:

Lymphorrhea and seromas are accumulations of lymph in the wound. On average, this lasts about 2 weeks, but can last up to 1 month. The accumulation of lymph in the wound is a risk factor for secondary infection and skin necrosis. If the seroma is extensive, it can cause rapid growth of connective tissue and the formation of keloid scars.
Swelling of the vulva or scrotum.
Swelling of the legs, up to the development of lymphedema (elephantiasis of the limb). Edema can be local, when, for example, only the foot or hand is affected, or extensive, when the entire limb and tissues of the lower half of the body are involved in the process. Swelling is accompanied by pain and loss of muscle strength.

As part of the treatment of lymphedema, complex therapy is carried out, including compression, drainage massage, a complex of physical therapy and skin care of the affected limb.

In order to prevent or minimize the risks of developing this pathology, it is necessary to strictly adhere to a number of rules:

Avoid the formation of edema, even minor, on the affected limb. When they form, it is necessary to wear compression stockings.
You should avoid any manipulations that could lead to a local increase in pressure on the affected limb - standing for a long time, wearing uncomfortable shoes, including dress shoes with heels.
Carefully ensure that the skin on the feet is not damaged, avoid the formation of calluses, injuries, and maceration. Do not walk barefoot even on the floor at home, etc.
Sharp temperature fluctuations should be avoided - baths, saunas, swimming pools, etc.

Nonspecific infections

The groin area is far from sterile.

Therefore, inflammation of the lymph nodes in this area can be caused by “ordinary” pyogenic flora.

Inguinal lymphadenitis accompanies:

Purulent skin infections (streptoderma and pyoderma) of the groin.
Boils of the pubis, perineum.
Carbuncles.
Ingrown hair.

We must not forget about nonspecific genital infections.

Pyogenic flora in women leads to inflammation of the glands of the vestibule of the vagina (bartholinitis), in men it causes infectious lesions of the foreskin and coronary sulcus.

For nonspecific infections, it is almost always characteristic that symptoms of inflammation of the inguinal lymph nodes appear after or simultaneously with the development of an acute process - a wound, ulcer, abscess.

Symptomatic therapy

Inguinal lymphadenopathy usually does not require specific treatment; unpleasant symptoms disappear some time after treatment of the underlying disease that caused the enlargement of the lymph nodes. Analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs are used to relieve pain. For hematological malignancies and other oncological pathologies, longer and more serious therapy is required. If you detect dense formations in the inguinal folds, you should immediately consult a specialist, since early diagnosis significantly increases the likelihood of a complete recovery.