Fatty lump in the groin and on the genitals: what it is and what it looks like

You have felt a soft lump under the skin in your groin and want to understand what it is. I will go through it step by step: what is called a fatty lump, how a lipoma feels in the intimate area, and in which cases it is referred to a surgeon.

What a fatty lump and a lipoma are

"Fatty lump" is a colloquial word; doctors say "lipoma". It is a benign tumor made of adipose tissue: it develops in the loose subcutaneous connective tissue, can extend deeper, between muscles and vascular bundles, and grows slowly. It is usually not dangerous and does not turn into cancer, although in the subcutaneous fat such transformation into a liposarcoma is described as rare.

A benign tumor is not cancer: it grows only in one place and does not spread through the body. The cause is not "accumulated fat". Metabolic changes due to a lack of regulatory protein enzymes are discussed: the basis is duplication of the long arm of chromosome 12 (12q13-15), where the gene for the enzyme TAG lipase, which breaks down fats, is located. Fat is not deposited too actively — the pathway of its breakdown is blocked.

What a fatty lump on the labia and pubis looks like

A lipoma can appear anywhere on the body, including the groin area and the external genitalia. It is more often found where there is little adipose tissue: the upper back, the shoulder girdle, the outer surface of the shoulder and thigh.

On palpation it is soft and doughy, easily moves under the skin when pressed. There is usually no pain. The size ranges from a pea to several centimeters. A diagnosis is not made from photographs on the internet — this is decided by a doctor during an examination.

Fatty lumps on the scrotum and in the groin in men

In men, such a lump may turn out to be in the groin or on the scrotum. The skin here is thin, and the nodule is easy to feel: soft, painless, mobile, grows slowly. There are many lymph nodes in the groin, so the doctor also checks for lymphadenitis. A cutaneous angiolipoma is described separately — a dense, painless subcutaneous nodule on the limbs; it is rare and occurs predominantly in men of mature age.

Fatty lump in the groin in women

In women, a lipoma is also possible in the area of the external genitalia and the inguinal fold. The sensations are the same: a soft, mobile nodule without pain. A large formation may interfere with walking — this is one of the reasons to discuss it with a surgeon.

How a fatty lump differs from other formations

A lipoma is sometimes difficult to distinguish from an atheroma, a hygroma, lymphadenitis, and other benign skin formations. This is the doctor's job: if in doubt, they may refer you for additional examination.

• Lipoma: soft, painless, mobile, grows slowly.
• Atheroma, hygroma, lymphadenitis: these are other formations, not a fatty tumor.
• A dense and immobile nodule, or a nodule that is enlarging, is a reason to see a doctor.

When to consult a surgeon

You should see a doctor with any new lump on the body: this is a standard recommendation for any nodule, not a sign of alarm. The visit should not be postponed if the formation hurts, reddens, is hot to the touch, if it is dense and does not move, if it increases in size. In rare cases, lumps under the skin turn out to be a sign of something more serious. The doctor usually identifies a lipoma during examination.

At the appointment, ask the surgeon how quickly the nodule is growing, whether it interferes with movement and in underwear, how it differs on palpation from the surrounding tissues, and what will happen next. Lipomas are harmless and usually do not require removal. If the formation is removed, it may be sent to a laboratory to confirm the diagnosis.

A lump in the groin by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103/112 — if signs of a stroke or heart attack appear, or in case of severe injury.

The text is for reference: it helps you understand what you are dealing with, but does not replace an examination by a doctor.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer