Can you feel inguinal lymph nodes

This system consists of lymphatic vessels and tissue. Lymph is a fluid that contains proteins and waste materials, which is collected from around the cells in the body, eventually draining into larger vessels.

On its journey more tissue and waste material is collected. The fluid lymph that accumulates firstly drains into larger lymph vessels, then into ducts in the neck, before emptying into the blood stream. Lymph nodes are small oval clumps of lymphatic tissue found at intervals along the vessels. These lymph nodes filter out harmful organisms and cells from the lymphatic fluid before it is returned to the blood stream. Lymph nodes can only be felt in the areas listed:. Usually lymph nodes are not enlarged and thus not able to be felt, but if you have previously had an infection such as tonsillitis you may have noticed and felt lymph nodes becoming enlarged, painful and tender.

Lymph nodes can also become enlarged due to cancer cells lodging in them. Checking your lymph nodes once a month is sufficient and this can be done at the same time as you check your skin for any changing moles. Checking them more often may result indifficulty noticing any change. Do not panic if you feel a lymph node as it may well be due to an infection, but if it has not gone away in a week contact your doctor or specialist nurse.

To diagnose the cause of swollen lymph nodes in the groin, your doctor will begin with your medical and sexual history. Since certain medications can cause lymphadenopathy, the doctor will also want to know what medications you are taking.

Swollen lymph nodes in the groin are a symptom, not a condition. If an infection is the cause, treatment depends on the type of infection and may include a topical treatment, oral treatment, or a combination of both.

If cancer is causing your swollen lymph nodes, treatment depends on the type of cancer, the stage, and your age and overall health. Options may include:. Swollen lymph nodes usually return to normal when the underlying condition gets better.

Most swollen lymph nodes in the groin are caused by a lower body infection or injury, but it could be something more serious. Talk with your doctor, especially if you have other symptoms. Coronary artery disease reduces blood flow to your heart. Learn how to recognize coronary artery disease symptoms, how to manage the symptoms, and…. Lymph nodes may become inflamed for a variety of reasons, including infection, virus, or cancer. Learn about symptoms of and treatments for….

A lymph node biopsy can help determine if you have an infection, an immune disorder, or cancer. Learn more about the purpose, procedure, and risks. Lymphomas are cancers that originate in the lymphatic system. Search Search forum. Do you have a cancer chat password? Yes, I have a password. Remember me. Sign in. I would be happy to receive news and updates from Cancer Chat.

Create new account. Leave this field blank. Already a member? Sign in now. Not a member yet? Viral Throat Infection. This is the most common cause of swollen nodes in the neck. They are the same on each side. Bacterial Throat Infection. A swollen node with a bacterial throat infection is usually just on one side. It can be quite large; over 1 inch 25 mm across. This is about the size of a quarter. Most often, it's the node that drains the tonsil. Tooth Decay or Abscess.

This causes a swollen, tender node under the jawbone. Only one node is involved. The lower face may also be swollen on that side. Armpit Swollen Nodes. Causes include skin infections such as impetigo.