DIAGNOSIS CHECKLIST
for Groin swelling

Why: to determine if acute or chronic.

Why: if intermittent this may suggest the groin lump is reducible and thus should consider a femoral or inguinal hernia.

Why: e.g. heavy lifting work, chronic bronchitis with persistent coughing, constipation, difficulty passing urine.

Why: e.g. heavy work, especially lifting may predispose to hernias.

Why: may suggest Lymphatic filariasis (if person has traveled to areas where it may be contracted).

Why: e.g. primary syphilis is rare in urban Australia but must be excluded if suspect this diagnosis, especially if there has been recent sexual contact in South East Asia; Chancroid is usually only seen following sexual exposure in South East Asia, India or Africa; Lymphogranuloma venereum is usually only seen following sexual exposure in East and West Africa, India, parts of Southeast Asia, South America and the Caribbean; Lymphatic filariasis is found in northern Australia, Pacific Islands, west and Central Africa, South America and India.

Why: to help determine risk of herpes simplex, HIV, syphilis, Chancroid, lymphogranuloma venereum which may all cause swollen groin lymph nodes.

Why: may suggest an abscess, haematoma, lymphadenitis, strangulated hernia, obturated hernia.

Why: suggests femoral artery aneurysm.

Why: may suggest strangulated hernia or obstructed hernia.

Why: may suggest herpes simplex infection, primary or secondary syphilis, Donovanosis, Chancroid or Lymphogranuloma venereum which may all cause enlarged groin lymph nodes.

Why: e.g. dragging, aching sensation in the groin that gets worse as the day passes. Sometimes there is nil discomfort. The groin lump may get smaller when laying down and you may be able to push the lump away.

Why: e.g. the lump becomes very painful and tender. The overlying skin becomes red, tense and warm.

Why: e.g. abdominal pain, omitting, abdominal distention, absolute constipation).

Why: e.g. symptoms are often minimal until progressive narrowing or blockage occurs. The groin mass may throb.

Why: e.g. painless enlarged lymph nodes (especially in the neck), malaise, weakness, weight loss, fever, night sweats, itchy skin, pain in the enlarged lymph nodes with consumption of alcohol.

Why: e.g. painless enlarged lymph nodes, sweating, itchy skin.