Introduction
Lymph nodes are part of the immune system. They serve as local filter stations and are passed through by the body’s lymph channels. Cells foreign to the body, such as pathogens, are passed on via finely branched lymph channels from peripheral tissue, e.g. skin or mucous membranes, first to local and then to central lymph nodes. When a pathogen reaches a lymph node, an immune reaction takes place there, i.e. cells of the immune system become active and multiply in order to destroy the pathogen directly in the best case – the lymph node swells and becomes visible as a small bump or can be felt under the skin.
Possible causes
Possible causes: Abscess in the groin Inflammation in the abdomen Viral infections (flu, mononucleosis, measles, HIV) Bacterial infections (diphtheria, tuberculosis, borreliosis) Cancer (malignant lymphomas, leukemia) Ingrown toenail Here you can find out more about: Causes of lymph node swelling
- Abscess in the groin
- Inflammation in the abdomen
- Viral infections (influenza, glandular fever, measles, HIV)
- Bacterial infections (diphtheria, tuberculosis, borreliosis)
- Cancer (malignant lymphomas, leukemia)
- Ingrown toenail
One of the most common causes of swollen and painful lymph nodes in the groin are local inflammatory reactions. Clogged sebaceous glands or ingrown hairs can cause centres of inflammation, which the body encapsulates in the form of an abscess. Inside an abscess there are melted skin cells, pus, inflammatory and immune cells.
Immune cells are formed in local lymph nodes, which in the meantime become larger. If an acute process is present, the lymph node swells in a short period of time, causing pain by stretching the capsule and surrounding tissue. The pain can be increased by pressure on the lymph node.
The node is easily palpable and can be separated from the surrounding tissue. Other lymph node stations located further away are usually not affected. The development of an abscess indicates an intact immune system, as the body is able to isolate the focus of inflammation so that the inflammation does not spread further for the time being.
Nevertheless, an abscess must always be surgically opened and irrigated. Afterwards, the swelling of the lymph nodes quickly subsides again. Inflammation in the abdominal cavity, especially in the small pelvis, can also cause lymph node swelling in the groin.
Depending on which side the inflammation is located, the lymph nodes of the right or left groin may be more enlarged. Painfully enlarged lymph nodes in the groin are often found in appendicitis (appendicitis – especially on the right side), ovarian inflammation (pelvic inflammation – possible on both sides), or sigmoid diverticulitis (inflammation at the end of the colon – especially on the left side). Inflammations in the abdominal cavity can, however, spread quickly, activate lymph nodes on both sides and additionally cause general symptoms such as fever, chills and fatigue.
In addition, several lymph nodes and several lymph node stations are usually enlarged and painful. Local inflammation in the area of the feet can also cause painful swollen lymph nodes in the groin, on the same side. Through ingrown toenails or athlete’s foot bacteria enter the body through the defective skin.
Via the lymph vessels, the foreign cells are channelled into local lymph nodes. Such stations can be found all over the body. Starting from the foot, pathogens first enter small lymph nodes in the hollow of the knee, where some of the foreign cells can already be destroyed.
The rest migrate further into the lymph nodes of the groin. There are numerous lymph nodes along the large vessels. Since there is usually little subcutaneous fatty tissue in the area of the groin, the lymph nodes there are easy to palpate.
Besides the lymph nodes, other structures in the groin can also cause pain. A frequent cause of pain and swelling in the groin is the hernia. Here, a weak point in the muscles or fascia creates a gap through which intestine is pressed outwards.
This manifests itself as soft swelling in the groin. When pressing and standing, the swelling increases. If the part of the intestine is pushed through the hernia, severe acute pain may occur. If the intestinal part is not moved back quickly, the intestinal tissue can die and cause severe infections.Another reason for groin pain is pulled or stretched groin muscles, especially in competitive athletes such complaints are common. A worn (arthrotic) hip joint can also cause pain in the groin.
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