What Causes Swelling of the Inguinal Lymph Node?

Granted, lymph nodes in all parts of the human body are prone to swelling and inflammation during the process of fighting off infections.

However, other causes of swelling are unique to specific glands.

For instance, swelling in the inguinal (groin) lymph nodes may occur due to a groin injury, infection, or malignant illness.

If you notice that your groin lymph nodes are more than about 1.5 centimeters in size, – roughly the size of a dime – you should consult your doctor as soon as possible for a diagnosis and treatment since the swelling may be due to any of the following serious causes:

1. Infections: Viral, bacterial, parasitic, and fungal infections in the legs and groin often cause swollen groin lymph nodes. Depending on the type and severity of the infection, other symptoms such as pain, red rashes, and fever may accompany the swelling.
2. Sexually Transmitted Diseases: When the lymphatic system is trying to fight off STDs such as herpes, gonorrhea and syphilis, the lymph nodes in the groin and the pelvic region may swell. This type of swelling normally reduces or even disappears once the body is STD-free.
3. Injuries: Injuries such as sporting injuries that affect the legs, feet, and groin are some of the major causes of swelling in the groin lymph nodes.
4. Other Causes: Other diseases and conditions such as the presence of malignant tumors in the lymphatic system, inguinal hernia, allergic reactions to drugs such as antibiotics and hydroceles in male children may also cause swelling in the lymph nodes located in the groin.

• If symptoms such as pain, weight loss, night sweats, and inflammation accompany the swelling of your groin lymph nodes, consult a doctor immediately.
• Even if the swelling in your groin is pain-less, it is important to seek a medical diagnosis and treatment if the swelling persists for more than two weeks to avoid serious complications.

If you have swollen groin lymph nodes, do not self-medicate. Instead, seek medical help to establish the cause of swelling first.

• Can Yeast Infection Cause Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Neck?
• Can Antibiotics Cause Swollen Lymph Nodes?

• http://www.buzzle.com/articles/swollen-lymph-nodes-in-groin.html
• http://www.wisegeek.com/what-causes-swollen-lymph-nodes-in-the-groin.htm

Overall, inguinal lymph nodes swell mainly as a result of the lymphatic system fulfilling its infection-fighting role. When this is the case, you do not need medical help to reduce the swelling. However, you should seek prompt treatment if you notice other unusual signs besides the swelling. By doing so, you would improve your chances of survival in case you have a serious disease such as cancer.