Thinking beyond hernia: a review of non-hernia groin lumps

Abstract

With increasing reliance on imaging, a large number of patients presenting with a groin lump are being referred to radiology to confirm the diagnosis of hernia, usually with an ultrasound in the first instance (occasionally MRI or CT). However, when imaging of the groin was performed, we have encountered many different kinds of non-hernia lesions in our practice. Such lesions can be categorized based on their tissue of origin and pathology. A specific diagnosis can often be reached using ultrasonography, MRI or a combination of imaging modalities. This review article will help general, musculoskeletal and abdominal radiologists to understand the anatomy of the groin, diagnose and characterise soft tissue lesions that may present as a groin lump, provide guidance for further imaging and insight into imaging features which may need specific investigations like core biopsy, tertiary referral and review at multidisciplinary meetings.