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Abdominal mass

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Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Anatomical landmarks, front view
Anatomical landmarks, front view
Digestive system
Digestive system
Fibroid tumors
Fibroid tumors
Aortic aneurysm
Aortic aneurysm

Alternative Names    Return to top

Mass in the abdomen

Definition    Return to top

An abdominal mass is swelling in one specific part of the belly area (abdomen).

Considerations    Return to top

An abdominal mass is usually detected on routine physical examination. Most of the time they develop slowly. You may not be able to feel the mass.

Where the pain occurs helps the doctor make a diagnosis. For example, the abdomen is usually divided into four areas:

Other terms used to specify the location of abdominal pain or masses include:

The location of the mass, and its firmness, texture, and other qualities can provide clues as to the cause of an abdominal mass.

Causes    Return to top

Home Care    Return to top

All abdominal masses should be examined as soon as possible by the health care provider.

Changing your body position may help relieve pain due to an abdominal mass.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Seek immediate medical help if you have a pulsating lump in your abdomen along with severe abdominal pain. This could be a sign of a ruptured aortic aneurysm, which is an emergency condition.

Contact your doctor if you notice any type of abdominal mass.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit    Return to top

In nonemergency situations, your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms and medical history.

In an emergency situation, you will be stabilized first. Then, the doctor will exam your abdomen and ask questions about your symptoms and medical history, such as:

A pelvic or rectal examination may be needed in some cases. Tests that may be done to determine the cause of an abdominal mass include:

References    Return to top

Proctor DD. Approach to the patient with gastrointestinal disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 134.

Postier RG, Squires RA. Acute abdomen. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 45.

Update Date: 11/16/2008

Updated by: Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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