Femoral hernia caused by endometriosis in femoral lymph nodes: a rare case report.

Abstract

Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent disease commonly affecting pelvic organs. Lymph node involvement is rare and even more so when leading to herniation. We report a rare case of a 41-year-old woman with no prior history of endometriosis, who presented with right groin pain and a palpable mass. Imaging suggested a femoral hernia. During open surgical repair, enlarged lymph nodes were discovered in the femoral canal causing femoral hernia. Histopathological analysis revealed endometriotic tissue within the lymph nodes. This case highlights a rare extrapelvic manifestation of endometriosis causing a femoral hernia. Endometriosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of groin masses, especially in women of reproductive age with cyclical symptoms.