Everyone gets unexpected lumps and bumps sometimes. Usually, they’re nothing to worry about. But a hard lump near your groin may leave you wondering if there’s a problem.

When lumps pop up in private places, they can be harder to talk about with your healthcare providers. However, you should never be ashamed to share concerns during your medical appointments. Here are some common causes of a lump in the pubic area and how to decide if it’s time to call the doctor.

1. Hernias

A hernia occurs when internal tissues bulge through a weak spot in the muscle. For example, part of the small intestines may poke beyond the muscles in your abdominal wall. Hernias can develop in various places. Inguinal, or groin, hernias are one of the most common types of hernias.

Some people are more prone to hernias because of their genetics. Hernias are especially likely after straining yourself (like when lifting heavy weights).

If you think you have a hernia, you should talk to your doctor. Don’t ignore your symptoms because they may need treatment. In some cases, a medical professional can carefully push things back into place. Other times, surgery is required. It’s crucial to get the right diagnosis before ignoring or attempting to treat a suspected hernia yourself.

2. Swollen Lymph Nodes

Skin bumps on the groin may be a direct sign of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as genital herpes or genital warts. Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). This is a very common virus that many adults get from sexual contact with others.

In addition, anytime your body is fighting off an infection, your lymph nodes may swell. Lymph nodes are immune system organs. They’re part of the lymph system, which includes lymph glands or nodes and lymph fluid. Some lymph nodes are located near the groin.

Swollen lymph nodes can be the result of anything from strep throat to an ear infection.

When the lymph nodes are swollen, they look and feel like hard lumps. Besides the pelvic area, lymph nodes are also found under the chin and armpits. Other signs of infection include a fever, cold symptoms, and night sweats.

Treating the underlying cause helps swollen glands go back to their normal size. If you have a chronic condition that puts your immune system into overdrive, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or an autoimmune disease like lupus, you may need ongoing treatment.

Generally, swollen lymph node lumps that are hard to move when pushed or don’t get smaller within two weeks should be addressed by your doctor. In some cases, a swollen lymph node can develop into an abscess. This is a collection of pus that needs to be drained or treated with antibiotics.

3. Abnormal Growths

Swollen lymph nodes in the groin area can also develop when someone has cancer. One form of cancer, called lymphoma, causes tumors in the lymph system. If cancer cells grow on the lymph nodes near the groin, a lump can develop. A persistently swollen lymph node in the groin can also be a sign that cancer has spread from another part of the body.

It’s also possible to have an abnormal growth that isn’t cancer. Examples include cysts and lipomas. There are several types of cysts. Some are filled with fluid, air, or body tissue. They can range in size and show up in various areas of the body. Lipomas are made of body fat. They’re usually harmless, but you may choose to remove them depending on where they form.

4. Skin Conditions

In some cases, a hard lump can be from a temporary or an ongoing skin condition. Warts, skin tags, and boils (infected hair follicles) are some examples.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin disease that causes painful lesions near the groin and other areas of the body where skin rubs together, like the underarms or under the breasts. HS lesions can develop into abscesses that drain pus.

HS requires ongoing care from a dermatologist. If you have recurring boils in the groin area, you may need to seek medical attention to determine if you have HS.

Different treatment options can help manage HS. Options include:

• Topical treatments
• Oral medications like birth control pills and metformin (a diabetes medication)
• Biologics
• Surgical procedures

A dermatologist can also offer medical advice on bandaging wounds and suggest a skin care routine for people with HS. It’s important to find a dermatologist who has experience with HS, since it’s not always an easy condition to diagnose and treat.

In addition, finding resources and strategies to manage pain is essential when living with this condition. HS can take a significant toll on your physical and mental health. It’s crucial to get support from others who understand the challenges of life with HS so you don’t feel like you’re on the journey alone.

How Are Lumps Diagnosed?

There are several possible causes of hard lumps in the pelvic area. The first thing your doctor may suspect is swollen lymph nodes. To figure out what’s going on, they’ll ask questions about your medical history and run some tests.

Try to remember when the lump started and how fast it’s grown. Pay attention to whether it feels tender or hot and if it hurts when you move in certain ways. Your doctor may order a blood test to check for underlying health conditions or infections. If the cause still isn’t clear, a biopsy can provide more information. This procedure lets your healthcare professional take a sample of cells from the lump to examine more closely under a microscope.

Join the Conversation

On myHSteam, people share their experiences with hidradenitis suppurativa, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Are you concerned about a specific type of lump on your body? Have you ever had groin lumps or other skin symptoms in the genital area? Let others know in a comment below.