'Lymph Node'?

Question

For around 4 months i've had a small hard lump under my skin, on my bikini line, which feels like something is pricking when i press it.

It gets itchy too, and sometimes swells up a bit bigger, then goes back down again.

I went to my Dr as i was really worried, who told me it looks like a 'lymph node' (A collection of white blood cells) which gather sometimes when you are run down. He said it should go, but that was a good 2 months ago and it hasn't?

Could it be an in-grown hair? And if its a lymph node, do thay go??

:-)

Answer 1

could be just that an ingrown hair. or your clothing is irritating the site.

Answer 2

Lymph nodes act as filters, with an internal honeycomb of reticular connective tissue filled with lymphocytes that collect and destroy bacteria and viruses. When the body is fighting an infection, lymphocytes multiply rapidly and produce a characteristic swelling of the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are bean-shaped and range in size from a few millimeters to about 1-2 cm in their normal state. They may become enlarged due to a infection. White blood cells are located within honeycomb structures of the lymph nodes. White blood cell production increases when the body is infected, and thus the lymph nodes are enlarged. In some cases, which may exist past the throat, they may feel enlarged due to past infections; although one may be healthy, one may still feel residually enlarged. Lymph Nodes dont go away but it will go down. If it is an ingrown hair you can get some treatment to draw it out. Try that it wont do any harm

Answer 3

Your wonderful lymph nodes! Lymph nodes are little round or bean-shaped bumps that you usually can't feel unless they become swollen. Lymph nodes are like filters that remove germs that could harm you. They contain lymphocytes, which are special cells that fight infection. Sometimes, germs can cause some of the lymph nodes to swell, so you might feel your swollen lymph nodes on your neck when you have a sore throat. But don't worry — these lumps usually just means your body is cleaning up its act!

i hope this helps so really it is nowt to worry about but if you need to get it checked again to be on the safe side.

Answer 4

If it is a lymph node, it will be in the groin (which is about in the bikini line area if you wear skimpy ones) and under the skin - ie you can move the skin over the top of it without it moving. If it is an ingrown hair, it will be in the skin, so move with the skin when you muck around with it. Anyhow, a second opinion is always great and it is pretty easy to get a fine needle biopsy if you insist on a proper diagnosis

Answer 5

It sounds like your Dr was too dismissive. It could possibly be a sebaceous cyst which is where something like a hair follicle becomes block. A hair follicle is like a pit the hair grows from and if the entrance becomes blocked, from dirt and grease for example, the follicle will swell up due to the blockage.
Your doctor should have shown more concern if it was your lymph node and got to the root of the problem.

Answer 6

The Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system defends the body from foreign invasion by disease causing agents such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi. The lymphatic system consists macroscopically of: The bone marrow, spleen, thymus gland, lymph nodes, tonsils, appendix, and a few other organs.
The lymph system contains a network of vessels that assists in circulating body fluids. These vessels transport excess fluids away from interstitial spaces in body tissue and returns it to the bloodstream. Lymphatic vessels prevent the backflow of the lymph fluid. They have specialized organs called lymph nodes which filter out destroyed microorganisms.

The functioning of the lymphatic system is most easily seen at the microscopic level. Blood cells are

produced in the marrow of human bone. When mature, white blood cells actively seek out possible pathogens or unknown substances and, using a complex chemical signaling system, can attack directly or provide for the removal of this substance. If a white blood cell is alerted to the presence of unwanted bacteria in the blood, it will find this bacteria and surround it. After a type of white blood cell (a T cell) has the bacteria trapped, it releases a deadly toxin that destroys the bacteria by breaking its outer membrane.
The relationship between B-Cells, T-Cells and other cells in the immune system is complex. B and T cells undergo complex transformations in response to signal chemicals and foreign substances.

In the transformation of B-Cells, different cancers can present themselves. The table below attempts to map B-Cell development with the cancers that may arise:

*They gave me an MRI Scan a few weeks back due to lumps on the nodes in my neck. i was fine & have been told there must be an infection in the body elsewhere.!!!! Go back to your gp.!!!

Answer 7

Without examination a diagnosis is not possible. Lymph nodes or a small cyst are certainly possible. You have little choice but to go back to your GP and get him to have another look.

If there is any uncertainty if the lump is small, excision biopsy (removal of lump and sending it to the lab) would be the ultimate way to get an answer. Most GPs will arrange to do this at the practise.

Answer 8

I am assuming that you shave the area down there. It sounds like and absessed pore. You may also take into consideration weather or not your undergarments are not irratating it. Wear loser garments. You may want to use and anti bacterial foam soap or facial cleanser in that particular area. I have had those an you don't want to irritate them cause the can get pretty large and uncomfortable. Make sure if you are shaving down there that you use a new razor every time, and that you rinse throughly. If it was infected lymphnodes it would effect other ones and spread. Also pay attention to make sure there are not red streaks running down your leg etc.. (you could get a blood infection). Best thing to do is see a doctor if it is very bothersome!

Answer 9

Please see the web page for more details on Lymph node (Lymph gland). Lymph nodes are components of the lymphatic system. They are sometimes informally called lymph glands but, as they do not secrete substances, such terminology is not strictly correct.
Lymph follicular hypertrophy is increased size of the lymph follicles. Lymph nodes act as filters that prevent organisms such as bacteria from entering the bloodstream.

Answer 10

i have exactly the same thing! i keep wondering if i should go to the doctors but then it will go down, and then up again, and its really itchy sometimes (basically exactly what you said!) Whatever you do don't read home medical books, i did that and thought i was going to be dead in hours! i think its just a blocked pore, but im going to get it checked out at doctors when i next go, im not panicing yet thou! sure its nothing (and im a BIG worrier)

;-)

Answer 11

As it hasn't gone after a couple of months it is certainly worth going back to your GP again. It could be an ingrowing hair. best to get these things checked out though to put your mind at rest.