Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: June 6, 2025 • View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Right Reactive Inguinal Lymph Node

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Cellulitis or skin infection: The most common cause of a reactive inguinal lymph node is a bacterial infection of the skin, such as cellulitis, folliculitis, or an infected wound in the lower limb or groin area. The body's immune response to the infection leads to lymph node enlargement and reactivity.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis can cause reactive lymph nodes in the inguinal region, especially if the infection is not treated promptly.
  • Fungal infections: Fungal infections of the foot (tinea pedis) or groin (tinea cruris) can also lead to reactive inguinal lymph nodes due to the body's immune response.
  • Viral infections: Certain viral infections, such as herpes simplex or varicella-zoster, can cause lymphadenopathy, including reactive inguinal lymph nodes.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Malignancy: Although less common, it's crucial not to miss the possibility of a malignancy, such as lymphoma or metastatic cancer from a primary site like the skin (e.g., melanoma), which can present with lymphadenopathy.
  • Tuberculosis: Tuberculosis (TB) can affect lymph nodes and present as reactive lymphadenopathy. Given its potential severity and the need for specific treatment, TB should not be overlooked.
  • HIV infection: Acute HIV infection can cause significant lymphadenopathy, including reactive inguinal lymph nodes, making it a critical diagnosis not to miss due to its implications for patient management and public health.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Cat-scratch disease: Caused by Bartonella henselae, this infection can lead to lymphadenopathy, including reactive inguinal lymph nodes, typically after a cat scratch or bite.
  • Toxoplasmosis: Although more commonly associated with cervical lymphadenopathy, toxoplasmosis can rarely cause reactive lymph nodes in other areas, including the inguinal region.
  • Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV): A type of STI caused by certain serovars of Chlamydia trachomatis, LGV can lead to significant lymphadenopathy, including bubo formation in the inguinal region, and is considered a rare diagnosis in many areas.

Related Questions

Should I refer a patient to urology for a one-time Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) level of 5 or start tamsulosin (flomax) immediately?
What is the plan of care for a 21-year-old female with a 7.9 cm minimally complex left ovarian cyst and a small amount of pelvic free fluid?
What infection control measures should a small behavioral facility residential treatment facility in King County, WA implement to prevent and manage facility-associated infections, including tuberculosis (TB), emerging infectious diseases, and other infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), influenza-like illness, pneumonia, lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), cellulitis, scabies, gastroenteritis, norovirus, Clostridium difficile, and conjunctivitis?
What can men do to improve their bone density?
What are the discharge instructions for a patient diagnosed with strep throat?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.

Ask Question