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Lymph node in groin

Sophia135
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Hi,

I felt a lymph node in my groin area months or even years ago, but rather stupidly I thought nothing of it and forgot about it, until a few weeks ago when I happened to feel it again. I don't know why I waited till a pandemic to start worrying about it but there we go!

I rang the doctor and she said she's not too worried as thin people can sometimes feel their lymph nodes, but if it doesn't go down in three weeks, to ring back - which I'm just about to do now, as it's three weeks later and can still feel it. I suspect it's been palpable all this time since I felt it ages ago.

However going to the GP (and potentially hospital) in the current situation worries me. I live with my parents and they're at higher risk of becoming severely ill from Covid-19.

So I just wanted to get people's opinions or hear about similar experiences with groin lymph nodes.

The node is small, probably smaller than pea-sized - it's like a little bead. It's on the left side of my groin, just on the inside of my hip bone. I think I can also feel two little lumps on both sides of my groin lower down. I'm 25 and have a petite build; I'm quite bony in this area. 

Is it normal for a thin person to be able to feel their lymph nodes, or does the fact that I can feel them mean they're abnormal and swollen? 

I'd appreciate any thoughts and hope all are doing ok.

Thanks in advance x

  • Hello Sophia135,

    I can understand your worries, so you should explain this to your GP and hopefully they'll be able to get you seen safely. You can read more here about getting the most out of your appointments.

    Best wishes for your upcoming appointment.

    Moderator Anastasia

  • Offline

    Hello,

    What was the conclusion regarding the nodes you could feel? I am very similar to you...I've always noticed that area was 'lumpy' but never thought anything of it. I am of slim build.

    I've recently noticed a lump a little higher up, next to my hip bone so I've also started to worry about the groin lumps so I'm curious as to the outcome of your investigations if you wouldn't mind sharing?

    thank you x

  • Offline

    I don't want to worry you because it could be a virus/infection your body is fighting but my best friend noticed a non painful enlarged node in her groin and left it for quite a few months. I didn't have a good feeling about it because she had felt unwell for some time, had what she thought were piles (she'd suffered them before) and lost a lot of weight however she was battling addiction so we all put it down to that. Unfortunately she was diagnosed with cancer at 46.

    Having said that - i am someone whose lymph nodes come up and down in various parts of my body but i've been like that since a child - they get tender sometimes and i can feel them but i can't see them sticking out. My friends lump did grow quite rapidly which is what finally made her go.

  • Offline in reply to sweetybird66

    Hi,

    The GP examined the lymph nodes in my groin, which she said were completely normal. With regards to the little lump near my hip bone, the doctor didn't think that this was a lymph node due to its location and the way it felt. She said she wasn't concerned about it as it's so small and movable and it hadn't grown. She said to come back if it grows and they can refer me for an ultrasound, but at the moment it's so small that the ultrasound may not pick it up. It's still there and hasn't grown.
     

    I hope that helps. Best thing is to go to the GP and get it checked out, and try not to stress about it too much in the meantime (I know that's easier said than done). 
     

    All the best x

  • Offline in reply to Sophia135

    Hi Sophia

     

    this might sound like a really silly question but where exactly on the groin are the lymph nodes? (E.g in comparison to where ur underwear sits). I can't necessarily feel lymph nodes as such, though the area at the tops of my thighs where it meets my groin are kind of lumpy inside but no discernible lumps, but have been having some strange pulsing feelings in the area so want to check them properly.

  • Offline in reply to EmmaM1982

    Hi Emma,

    From my understanding there is a chain of them along the groin crease and the upper inner thigh. There are diagrams online, but it's probably better to stay off Google (tends to just make you even more worried) and make an appointment with your doctor if you have concerns. 
     

    Best wishes x
     

     

  • Offline in reply to Sophia135

    Thank you so much for coming back to me. I have seen the doctor about my small lump next to my hip &, like with you, the doctor wasn't concerned. I am keeping an eye on it & if anything changes they will send me for an ultrasound.

    I should probably also get the groin lumps checked, but I don't have any other symptoms & they have been there for as long as I can remember.

    Thank you for the extra reassurance x

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