Hello Denyse,

Thanks for posting your query.

The simplest thing that I can think of with the smallest description you made is a folliculitis which rubs against the opposite skin and cause pain when one tries to walk. So a person tends to walk with wide legs. This goes away on its own with application of over the counter antiseptics and warm compresses. The risk factors for recurring folliculitis is use of public toilet seats and improper personal hygiene.

However it will be very helpful for me in understanding your condition better if you could answer some of these questions:
1)     Is the lump painful and is it present on both sides?
2)     Does it get larger when coughing or straining?
3)     Is there any history of any unprotected intercourse?

From the symptoms three possibilities are also coming to my mind. They are:

1)     It can be a swollen lymph node since you have a history of Lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes) is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Other causes include allergic reactions or some malignancy.
2)     Second possibility is of any cyst which is a small cystic swelling filled with a soft, whitish brown material called sebum that sometimes oozes out onto the skin's surface. It can regress in size when the sebum decreases.
3)     Third possibility is of any benign tumor but it is usually present throughout and chances are less that it comes and goes.

Apply warm compresses for time being. Continue the appropriate antibiotics for urinary tract infection which your doctor can prescribe. With antibiotics and treatment of UTI, the swollen localized lymph nodes will also regress in size.

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.

Wishing you good health.

---

Hi Denyse,

Thanks for writing back and the clarification. From what you have described, it looks like a swollen lymph node only as a result of the urinary tract infection or a cyst which can regress in size on its own or grows when the body is under stress like during menstruation.

Do not feel concerned about bladder cancer which is very less likely at your age and is usually accompanied by blood during urination, frequent urination and pain during urination. You can get this possibility completely ruled out from a urologist after getting a urine examination and cystoscopy done once you are back from vacation.

You can wait till you return from vacation and show it to your doctor the next week. Till then apply warm compresses on the lump.

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.

Wishing you good health.

---