Differential Diagnosis for Inguinal Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Inguinal Hernia: This is the most common cause of inguinal pain, especially in men. It occurs when part of the intestine bulges through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles, often causing severe pain and discomfort.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Epididymitis: Inflammation of the epididymus, a tube at the back of the testicle that stores and carries sperm, can cause inguinal pain, especially if the inflammation spreads to the testicle.
- Orchitis: Inflammation of one or both testicles, usually caused by bacterial or viral infections, can lead to inguinal pain.
- Groin Strain: A common sports injury where the muscles of the inner thigh are stretched or torn, leading to pain in the inguinal area.
- Ovarian Cyst or Torsion (in women): Ovarian cysts can cause inguinal pain if they rupture or become twisted, cutting off blood supply to the ovary.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Testicular Torsion: A medical emergency where the spermatic cord becomes twisted, cutting off blood supply to the testicle. It requires immediate attention to save the testicle.
- Appendicitis: Although appendicitis typically presents with abdominal pain, in some cases, especially if the appendix is located near the inguinal area, it can cause inguinal pain.
- Kidney Stone: A stone that moves down the ureter and becomes lodged near the inguinal area can cause severe pain.
- Aortic Aneurysm: A large aneurysm in the abdominal aorta can cause inguinal pain, especially if it ruptures, which is a life-threatening condition.
Rare Diagnoses
- Spermatocele: A rare, usually painless cystic mass that forms on the epididymus, but can cause inguinal pain if it becomes large or infected.
- Varicocele: Enlargement of the veins in the scrotum, similar to varicose veins, can cause inguinal pain, especially if it becomes large or thrombosed.
- Lymphoma or Metastatic Cancer: In rare cases, inguinal pain can be a symptom of lymphoma or metastatic cancer spreading to the lymph nodes in the inguinal area.
- Psoas Abscess: A rare condition where an abscess forms in the psoas muscle, which can cause inguinal pain, especially if it becomes large or infected.