Does swelling in the groin area indicate hernia?
Patient: Hi, I'm a 37yr. old female, and I have a bulge in my right groin area. During my annual physical I showed it to my Gynecologist. She said that I have an Inguinal Hernia. She sent me to a Surgeon, but he couldn't really tell if it was or wasn't a hernia. I started having pain and swelling again, so I went to see a different Surgeon. Because the swelling had went down he too could not say for sure that it was or wasn't a hernia. I've noticed that it only swells up during certain times of the month. By the time I make an appointment & go to see the doctor; the swelling has gone down making it hard to identify. I've had this problem for almost 2yrs. Is there anything I can do? Doctor: Hi.The swelling in the groin can be a Lymph node or a Hernia. Hernia is a swelling which is expansible - meaning swelling is increased on straining like during coughing and is Reducible- meaning can be pressed down on pressure. Whereas the lymph node is neither expansible or reducible. The simple test at home and by Your Surgeon can diagnose this easily and ultrasonography can help differentiate between the both. Get operated for two reasons. The disease is gone and one gets the perfect diagnosis.