OpenHealth Q&A

Persistent Lump and Unexplained Symptoms: Seeking Answers After Two Months

For the past six weeks, I have been dealing with a lump in my groin that is rigid and immobile. Alongside this, I’ve experienced ongoing pelvic discomfort and consistent swelling in the knee of the same leg since the beginning of August. It feels like something might be obstructing proper function, particularly since other areas on the right side of my body, including my breast and armpit, have started to flare up. I lead an active lifestyle, with a low heart rate during cardio workouts since I live at altitude, and this swollen knee is unusual for me. I didn’t suffer any injury, and this issue arose simultaneously with my other symptoms six weeks ago. Before diving into this situation, it's worth mentioning that my previous emergency room visit occurred back in the fall of 2015—nearly ten years ago! In the last week, I developed urinary incontinence, but I have neither a urinary tract infection nor am I pregnant. My pelvic pain returned in full force today, accompanied by back pain. I’ve found myself needing to change my underwear 5-6 times due to leakage, and pads have only made me self-conscious about odors. I went to the emergency room again but left without any answers. A CT scan didn’t reveal anything from late July, such as fatty liver deposits or an enlarged lymph node, where the lump has been persistent. Going back to July 31, I sought emergency help due to severe pelvic pain and malaise on my way to the airport. Initially, I considered it to be related to PMS, but the car ride intensified my discomfort, leading me to suspect a possible cyst or ectopic pregnancy. My white blood cell and red blood cell counts were low, likely indicative of a viral infection. The following day, I experienced flu-like symptoms and a facial rash, which were eventually diagnosed as parvovirus and coxsackie virus—such a surprise to me, as I hadn’t been around anyone with these conditions, nor had I been in contact with children for months. Shortly thereafter, I experienced severe joint pain, fevers, night sweats, and a new lump appeared on my neck near the parotid gland. I have documentation of these developments. The neck lump remains, now smaller, but I'm experiencing ongoing night sweats (which I initially dismissed as PMS) and my body makes noises reminiscent of an older person’s joints. Three weeks after the appearance of the lump, I consulted an ENT who was concerned enough to request a biopsy rather than a fine needle aspiration, emphasizing the need for a core sample to rule out lymphoma given my fluctuating weight and other symptoms. He noticed another cyst on the opposite side of my neck that I had not been aware of. Although he ordered a CT scan, it returned normal results, showing no enlargement. However, when I arrived for the biopsy, I was disappointed to find that it was an FNA, not the core sample he had specified. I chose not to proceed with that procedure since it didn’t align with the original request and would cost $4,000 between personal expenses and insurance. Since then, I have yet to hear from the practice about subsequent steps, but he had suggested I follow up on my enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit and groin. On July 18, just eleven days prior to my ER visit on July 31, I was in good health, apart from common premenstrual symptoms. That’s when I discovered a hard, round lump in my armpit; it was noticeable during exercise. Though it felt tender when prodded, it wasn’t painful. My primary care physician speculated it might be an infection after asking about any recent vaccinations. Blood tests returned normal results, and an ultrasound showed an enlarged lymph node that appeared benign. Afterward, just days later, I experienced severe chest pain that felt as though someone was continuously stabbing me near my right breast, and my pulse dropped into the low 40s—a concerning change for me. My husband insisted on taking me to the ER, but once again, no underlying issue was found. At that point, I was simply relaxing and felt no particular stress. Looking back over the next eight weeks, it all spiraled into chaos with three canceled trips and overwhelming medical expenses. Now, I’ve been to the ER three times over these past two months, with the last visit being a decade after my previous one. There seems to be a prevailing belief that I might be exaggerating my symptoms due to their systemic nature. Interestingly, a nurse practitioner at the ER referred to my urinary incontinence as “supposed” when I inquired about the decision to conduct only a lumbar MRI rather than an abdominal or pelvic scan. To clarify, in 2024, I only attended my annual check-up with lab tests—everything had been normal and I felt healthy aside from typical life fatigue and PMS. Earlier this year, I complained of severe breast pain on the right side and underwent imaging in March; aside from this recent six to eight-week ordeal, I had no further issues. In 2022, I noticed a lump while on my honeymoon, which was stable on ultrasound for a year until it grew larger in September 2023. I had been frustrated by the lack of a biopsy at the outset but calmed my concerns upon seeing its stability. This year, I had my first mammogram, revealing dense breast tissue, which led to another ultrasound. I then learned, through discussions with a physician in my family, that the original area at 9:00/2cm never received thorough examination—it was only investigated at 9:00/4cm. Around the time of the parotid biopsy this past August, shortly after my menstrual cycle ended, my right breast became swollen and expressed significant pain. It remains swollen and intermittently painful even now. After a recent visit to a walk-in clinic, they conducted a breast examination and discovered a lump under my nipple around 10:00. The clinician even inquired whether my skin had always appeared as it does now; unsure, I suggested it might be remnants from the recent viral illnesses. I'm currently scheduling further imaging and specialist consultations. Interestingly, it’s notable that most of these issues are concentrated on the right side of my body, whether they involve lymph nodes, pain, or swelling. This has been an overwhelming journey, and I'm truly at my wits' end. If necessary, I'm ready to resort to wearing adult diapers and managing discomfort with pain relievers like Tylenol and ibuprofen, as I have been doing. Given my family's medical background and their examination of my symptoms so far—along with the inconsistencies in testing results—it's leading to feelings of anxiety, particularly as we reflect on a family friend who tragically passed from triple-negative breast cancer at 28. It’s difficult being separated from family during this time. Any insights would be greatly appreciated! The incontinence is incredibly distressing and heightens my uncertainty about everything else happening to my body.

Answers (1)

9/13/2025, 10:02:25 AM

OpenHealth AI

I understand that you are experiencing a complex array of symptoms, including a persistent lump in your groin, pelvic discomfort, knee swelling, urinary incontinence, and other physical changes. It’s clear this situation is both confusing and distressing for you, especially after seeking medical attention multiple times without feeling like you’ve received satisfactory answers. Let's break down your symptoms and focus on actionable steps you can take while you navigate this challenging situation.

Main Points:

1. Persistent Lump and Localized Symptoms: The lump in your groin and associated symptoms may indicate a need for further evaluation, especially with changes like nighttime sweats and weight fluctuations.
2. Urinary Issues and Pelvic Pain: The recent onset of urinary incontinence, alongside pelvic pain, can be concerning and needs careful attention.
3. Next Steps: Keeping a detailed symptom diary and seeking appropriate follow-up imaging or specialist opinions are essential actions.

Explanation:

Your situation includes multiple interconnected symptoms, many of which emerged following viral infections (e.g., parvovirus and coxsackie virus) that may have triggered an autoimmune response or inflammatory conditions. The chronic swelling in your joints, including your knee, could be related to systemic issues, possibly connected to underlying conditions like lupus or other autoimmune disorders.

The lump you’ve described could represent an enlarged lymph node due to chronic inflammation or infection. Given your history of changes in lumps and persistent symptoms on the right side of your body, it could warrant further investigation. Your urinary incontinence, especially in the context of your pelvic symptoms, needs careful assessment as well.

Next Steps:

1. Symptom Diary: Start a diary to track your symptoms, including pain levels, location, frequency of urinary incontinence, and any other changes in your health. Documenting these details can help healthcare providers better understand your case.

2. Follow-Up Imaging: Schedule the recommended imaging studies (e.g., ultrasound of groin, CT scan of the abdomen/pelvis, or an MRI) to better evaluate the lump and explore the cause of your pelvic discomfort and urinary issues.

3. Seek Specialists: Consult with specialists such as a urologist for urinary incontinence and a rheumatologist for your systemic symptoms. Additionally, staying connected with the ENT for follow-ups on the lump will be important.

4. Pain Management: Continue using over-the-counter pain relief as needed, knowing that both Tylenol (acetaminophen) and ibuprofen can help manage discomfort. Be mindful of dosage and frequency, particularly if symptoms persist.

5. Mental Health Support: Given the considerable anxiety surrounding your condition, consider reaching out to a mental health professional who can help you manage stress and anxiety as you navigate these health concerns.

It's crucial to advocate for your health, and it’s perfectly fine to seek second opinions if you feel that your symptoms are not being adequately addressed. While you may feel overwhelmed, focusing on structured next steps can help manage your journey. Please remember that you are not alone, and there are avenues for support and resolution.