Are there superficial lymph nodes on thighs a few inches from panty line?

Yes: While there are occasional single lymph nodes at various sites in the body most are clustered along major venous structures such as femoral vein, axillary vein and jugular vein. The femoral vein and artery pass through the femoral canal in the groin which is superficial and right in the panty line where an enlarged lymph node can be easily palpated.