The superficial inguinal lymph nodes are about ten nodes in the fat of the groin, arranged in a T-shape: a horizontal group just below the inguinal ligament and a vertical group along the end of the great saphenous vein. They drain the skin of the leg, the lower trunk below the umbilicus, the buttock, the external genitalia and the lower anal canal.
| Location | Subcutaneous tissue of the femoral triangle, in a horizontal chain below and parallel to the inguinal ligament and a vertical chain along the terminal great saphenous vein |
|---|---|
| Receives lymph from |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
Filter superficial lymph from the lower limb, lower trunk wall and external genitalia.
Small, mobile, non-tender groin nodes are common in healthy people. Enlarged nodes should prompt examination of the whole drainage area, including the feet, genitals, perineum and anus. Testicular lymph does not drain here, whereas the scrotal skin does, a key point in assessing groin lumps. Vulval, penile and anal cancers and melanoma of the leg commonly spread here.
Enlarged groin nodes from leg or genital infections, sexually transmitted infections or cancer of the lower limb, genitals or anus.
A chlamydial sexually transmitted infection causing painful, matted inguinal nodes that can form buboes.
Wound breakdown, seroma and leg lymphoedema after inguinal node dissection for melanoma or vulval cancer.
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