Differential Diagnosis for Swollen Inguinal Lymph Node
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Inguinal lymphadenitis due to bacterial or viral infection: This is the most common cause of swollen inguinal lymph nodes, often resulting from infections in the lower extremities, genital area, or anal region.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis: These infections can cause lymphadenopathy, particularly in the inguinal region, and are common in sexually active individuals.
- Dermatological conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or fungal infections: Skin conditions in the lower extremities or genital area can lead to inguinal lymphadenopathy due to the body's immune response.
- Reactive lymphadenitis due to local trauma or surgery: Recent trauma or surgical procedures in the areas drained by the inguinal lymph nodes can cause reactive lymphadenitis.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Lymphoma: Although less common, lymphoma can present with lymphadenopathy, including in the inguinal region, and is critical to diagnose early for effective treatment.
- Metastatic cancer: Cancers from the lower extremities, genital area, or anal region can metastasize to the inguinal lymph nodes, making early detection crucial for prognosis.
- Tuberculosis or other systemic infections: Though less common in some regions, tuberculosis and other systemic infections can cause lymphadenopathy and have significant implications for public health and individual treatment.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Cat-scratch disease: Caused by Bartonella henselae, this infection can lead to lymphadenopathy, typically after a cat scratch, and is more common in children.
- Toxoplasmosis: A parasitic infection that can cause lymphadenopathy, though it is less commonly associated with inguinal lymph nodes specifically.
- Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease: A rare, self-limiting condition that can cause lymphadenopathy, often in the cervical region but potentially in other areas, including the inguinal region.