lymph nodes (superficial inguinal)

Last reviewed 01/2018

Inguinal lymph nodes are arranged into three anatomical groups - medial, lateral and lower. They drain from the lower abdominal wall, perineum (including vulva and vagina), anal canal, scrotal skin, penis and the entire lower limb. They do not drain the testes which instead, drain to the upper para-aortic nodes within the abdomen.

Drainage is to the external iliac nodes.

Enlarged inguinal lymph nodes suggest infection, lymphoma or tumour secondaries.

They are not reducible on examination.

Multiple, small, hard nodes are common, and are treated as normal. Inguinal nodes are easier to feel in men who generally, have less subcutaneous fat.