Differential Diagnosis for Burning Groin Pain with Leg Swelling in a Female

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

• Varicose Veins or Venous Insufficiency: This condition is common in females and can cause burning pain in the groin area due to the incompetence of the venous valves, leading to blood pooling and swelling in the legs.

Other Likely Diagnoses

• Lymphedema: This condition involves the abnormal collection of protein-rich fluid in the interstitial tissue, leading to swelling of the leg. It can cause discomfort and pain, including a burning sensation.
• Cellulitis: A bacterial skin infection that can cause redness, swelling, and pain, including a burning sensation, especially if it involves the groin area.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Although DVT typically presents with acute onset of swelling and pain, it can sometimes cause a burning sensation in the affected leg.
• Herniated Disc or Lumbar Radiculopathy: Can cause referred pain to the groin area, especially if the nerve roots involved are those that also supply the lower extremities.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

• Ovarian Torsion: A gynecological emergency that can cause severe, acute pain, which might be referred to the groin area. It's less common but critical to diagnose promptly.
• Appendicitis (if the appendix is located in the pelvic area): Can cause pain that might be perceived in the groin, especially if the appendix is retrocecal or pelvic in location.
• Pulmonary Embolism (if associated with DVT): While the primary symptom would be respiratory, a large pulmonary embolism can cause systemic symptoms, and if associated with a DVT, could indirectly relate to the leg symptoms.
• Aortic Aneurysm or Aortic Dissection: Although these conditions typically present with back or abdominal pain, they are emergencies that could potentially cause referred pain to the groin area due to the involvement of nearby structures.

Rare Diagnoses

• Nerve Entrapment Syndromes (e.g., ilioinguinal or iliofemoral nerve entrapment): These can cause burning pain in the groin area but are less common.
• Pudendal Neuralgia: Involves the pudendal nerve and can cause burning pain in the distribution of the nerve, including the groin area.
• Erythromelalgia: A disorder that causes burning pain, heat, and redness in the hands and feet, but can occasionally affect other areas, including the groin.