no pain, small bump in groin - inguinal hernia?

[Krump]

Before today I never knew what a hernia was. So I did a little research online. Now that I cleared up my ignorance I think the hard little bump (the size of a large pea) on my groin (where inguinal hernias occur - just to the right of the pubic area, below the pant belt line, on the crease of the hip) that I become aware of several months ago may be a small hernia or related to a hernia type injury.

Some context: My right hip has been giving me problems for the last 18 months. I was a distance runner back then and believed I had IT band syndrome so I had a doc check me out. He referred me to an orthopedic clinic and their diagnosis was an "uneven right hip" causing my noticeable IT band syndrome and later psoas tightness. I stopped running because it was chronic and debilitating so I took up barbell training to fill the void. When I started strength training 6 months ago it was clear my right hip was still less mobile than my left but I could still squat and dead lift ok even if it wasn't ideal. I soon realized my screwed-up right hip was definitely weaker than my left (I'd say a 60:40 disparity between left and right) so there is definitely some sort of weakness, stiffness and reduced mobility in the right hip/groin but no pain.

So several months ago I noticed the small bump in my groin but thought nothing of it. Now that I know what a hernia is, and since it is located right where inguinal hernias occur, I am thinking this bump may be related to that.

I don't know how long I have had this bump (at least months), or if it happened because of my screwed up hip, or if it preceded and contributed to my screwed up hip, but I definitely think it is somehow associated with it and could maybe be a small hernia.

Any ideas?

[nisora33]

So I'm clear: is there any current pain or tenderness in the area of this lump?

I'm not sure anyone's going to able to diagnose this over the internet. I will throw this out there, however: sometimes lymph nodes can become swollen down there, and this may be what you're feeling, but maybe not.

-Stacey

[Dastardly]

Indeed, lymph node sounds like a possibilty which can be caused by serious disease.

Best to go to a doctor asap.

[nisora33]

Indeed, lymph node sounds like a possibilty which can be caused by serious disease.

Best to go to a doctor asap.

It is not unusual for lymph nodes to swell and become tender transiently, dude. This has happened to me for much of my life off and on. Happens to my wife occassionally, if she nicks herself shaving; her gyno says that can be the cause, so can having your period. If it persists or gets worse, then yes, he should probably have it checked out. But ya'll need to chill with the "Oh my fuckin' god you haz teh superaids!" shit. Every unusual ache, pain or wave of nausea or malaise is not a forebearer of death.

[Krump]

Thanks for the replies. A lymph node is what I suspected before I knew about inguinal hernias. It probably is just a node but I still think there is a significant probability of it being a hernia or something bad because that area of my hip/groin is weak with restricted mobility compared to the other side. I can't help but think it is somehow associated with it (I actually kind of hope so because if i can get it fixed than maybe my imbalance will resolve). I will get it checked out once I switch over to my new health insurance coverage.

[gman]

Here's a quick test you can do.

If this small lump increases in size or becomes tender when you increase your IAP, such as with coughing or tightening up your abs like someone is going to hit you, there is a higher probability that it is a hernia. If the size does not change, it most likely is not a hernia, but as Stacey noted, a lymph node.

Edit: Most enlarged lymph nodes are NOT cancer.