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Swollen Lymph Node Groin One Side – Causes

A swollen lymph node in the groin on one side can indicate a local infection, injury, or in rare cases a more serious condition. Early medical evaluation is recommended.

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A swollen lymph node in the groin on one side can indicate a local infection, injury, or in rare cases a more serious condition. Early medical evaluation is recommended.

What Is a Swollen Lymph Node in the Groin on One Side?

The lymph nodes in the groin (inguinal lymph nodes) are part of the lymphatic system and play a key role in the body's immune defense. Normally, they are not palpable. A swollen lymph node in the groin on one side – also known as unilateral inguinal lymphadenopathy – refers to the enlargement of one or more lymph nodes on only one side of the body. This can be a sign that the immune system is actively responding to an infection or another condition affecting the leg, foot, lower abdomen, or genital region.

Causes

There are many possible causes for a swollen lymph node in the groin on one side:

Local infections: Wounds, skin infections (e.g., erysipelas), fungal infections, or infected lesions on the foot, lower leg, or genital area.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): For example, syphilis, gonorrhea, genital herpes, chlamydia, or HIV can cause unilateral or bilateral lymph node swelling in the groin.
Reactive lymphadenopathy: The immune system responds to a regional infection site without an underlying serious disease.
Lymphoma: Both Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma can present with enlarged lymph nodes.
Metastases: Tumor tissue from nearby organs (e.g., bladder, prostate, uterus, skin) can spread to the inguinal lymph nodes.
Leishmaniasis: A parasitic disease occurring in certain parts of the world.
Injury or trauma: Trauma to the leg or groin area can temporarily cause swelling.

Symptoms

A swollen lymph node in the groin may be accompanied by various symptoms:

Palpable enlargement or visible bulge in the groin area
Tenderness or a feeling of tension
Redness and warmth of the skin over the lymph node
General malaise or fever (with infections)
Night sweats, weight loss, persistent fatigue (possible signs of a systemic condition)
Skin changes or wounds in the area drained by the affected lymph node

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made through a thorough medical examination. The following measures may be used:

Physical examination: Palpation of the lymph nodes (size, consistency, mobility, tenderness)
Blood tests: Complete blood count, inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR), antibody tests if infection is suspected
Ultrasound of the groin: Assessment of the structure and size of the lymph nodes
Swab or pathogen detection: If a sexually transmitted infection is suspected
CT scan or MRI: If a malignant (cancerous) condition is suspected
Lymph node biopsy: Removal of a tissue sample for histological examination when other causes have been ruled out

When to See a Doctor

A swollen lymph node in the groin should be evaluated by a doctor if:

the swelling persists for more than two to four weeks
the lymph node is larger than 1 cm
the swelling is painful, hard, or immobile
fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss occur
additional wounds, discharge, or skin changes are present in the genital or leg area

Treatment

Treatment depends on the underlying cause:

Infections: Antibiotics for bacterial infections, antiviral medications for viral causes, antifungals for fungal infections
Sexually transmitted infections: Specific therapies depending on the pathogen (e.g., penicillin for syphilis)
Lymphomas: Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy, depending on type and stage
Metastases: Oncological treatment of the primary tumor
Reactive lymphadenopathy: In many cases, the swelling resolves on its own once the underlying cause is treated

References

Swartz MH. Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination. 8th edition. Elsevier, 2021.
World Health Organization (WHO): Guidelines for the management of sexually transmitted infections. WHO Press, 2021. Available at: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240024168
Ferrer R. Lymphadenopathy: Differential Diagnosis and Evaluation. American Family Physician. 1998;58(6):1313–1320. Available at: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/1998/1015/p1313.html

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