I have some swelling right above the base of my penis, it is tender and sore, and does not go away when resting. hernia or swollen lymph node?

Hernia: Swollen lymph nodes in the groin area occur just under the inguinal ligament within the femoral triangle of the upper thigh. A swelling just near or under the base of the penis is where the opening of the inguinal canal is and where a loop of bowel can slide down to become fixed or incarcerated. Tenderness may be first sign toward strangulation and must be reduced to prevent bowel damage.

The best thing: is to have an examination by your family physician to determine the etiology.