Differential Diagnosis for Female Inguinal Lymphadenopathy
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Cellulitis or skin infection: This is often the most common cause of inguinal lymphadenopathy in females, resulting from bacterial infections of the skin in the lower extremities or genital area, which drain into the inguinal lymph nodes.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis, which can cause lymphadenopathy in the inguinal region due to the infection spreading to the lymph nodes.
- Vulvar or vaginal infections: Infections like Bartholin gland abscess or vulvar abscess can lead to inguinal lymphadenopathy.
- Lower extremity infections: Infections of the legs, such as erysipelas or abscesses, can drain to the inguinal lymph nodes.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Malignancy (e.g., lymphoma, genital tract cancers): Although less common, it is crucial not to miss cancers such as lymphoma, cervical, vulvar, or vaginal cancer, which can present with inguinal lymphadenopathy.
- Tuberculosis: Especially in endemic areas or in individuals with risk factors, tuberculosis can cause lymphadenopathy and must not be overlooked due to its serious implications.
- HIV: Inguinal lymphadenopathy can be an early sign of HIV infection, making it a critical diagnosis not to miss.
Rare Diagnoses
- Filariasis: In areas where filariasis is endemic, it can cause lymphadenopathy, including in the inguinal region.
- Cat-scratch disease: Caused by Bartonella henselae, this infection can lead to lymphadenopathy, including in the inguinal nodes, although it is more commonly associated with axillary lymphadenopathy.
- Toxoplasmosis: Although more commonly associated with cervical lymphadenopathy, toxoplasmosis can rarely cause inguinal lymphadenopathy.