Differential Diagnosis for Inguinal Lymph Node Swelling in Females
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Cellulitis or Skin Infection: This is often the most common cause of inguinal lymph node swelling due to the high incidence of skin infections in the lower limbs, which drain into the inguinal lymph nodes.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis can cause inguinal lymphadenopathy. The lymph nodes may become swollen and painful due to the body's immune response to the infection.
- Vaginal or Cervical Infections: Infections of the vagina or cervix can also lead to swelling of the inguinal lymph nodes due to the lymphatic drainage of these areas.
- Lower Limb Infections: Infections of the lower limb, such as abscesses or infected wounds, can cause swelling of the inguinal lymph nodes.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Malignancy (e.g., Lymphoma, Metastatic Cancer): Although less common, malignancies such as lymphoma or metastatic cancer from the lower limbs, genital area, or anus can cause inguinal lymph node swelling. Missing these diagnoses could have severe consequences.
- Tuberculosis: TB can affect any part of the body, including the lymph nodes. Inguinal lymph node swelling could be a sign of TB, especially in areas where TB is prevalent.
- HIV: HIV infection can cause generalized lymphadenopathy, including swelling of the inguinal lymph nodes.
Rare Diagnoses
- Filariasis: In areas where filariasis is endemic, this parasitic infection can cause lymphadenopathy, including swelling of the inguinal lymph nodes.
- Cat-Scratch Disease: Although more commonly associated with axillary lymphadenopathy, cat-scratch disease can rarely cause inguinal lymph node swelling if the scratch is on the lower limb.
- Sarcoidosis: This autoimmune disease can cause lymphadenopathy in various parts of the body, including the inguinal region, though it is a rare cause.