| Login | Register
LIVESTRONG.COM Blog: 10 Mistakes People Make in the Gym with DietTribe's Jessie Pavelka
  • Food & Fitness
  • Members

Abdominal Mass

Text size:  |  Print  |   | 

Definition

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



Alternative names

Mass in the abdomen



Causes

Abdominal aortic aneurysm can cause a pulsating mass around the navel. Bladder distention (urinary bladder over-filled with fluid) can cause a firm mass in the center of the lower abdomen above the pelvic bones, and in extreme cases can extend as far up as the navel. Cholecystitis can cause a very tender mass that is felt below the liver in the right-upper quadrant (occasionally). Colon cancer can cause a mass almost anywhere in the abdomen. Crohn's disease or bowel obstru...



Definition

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

Alternative names

Mass in the abdomen

Causes

  • Abdominal aortic aneurysm can cause a pulsating mass around the navel.
  • Bladder distention (urinary bladder over-filled with fluid) can cause a firm mass in the center of the lower abdomen above the pelvic bones, and in extreme cases can extend as far up as the navel.
  • Cholecystitis can cause a very tender mass that is felt below the liver in the right-upper quadrant (occasionally).
  • Colon cancer can cause a mass almost anywhere in the abdomen.
  • Crohn's disease or bowel obstruction can cause multiple tender, sausage-shaped masses anywhere in the abdomen.
  • Diverticulitis can cause a mass that is usually located in the left-lower quadrant.
  • Gallbladder tumor can cause a moderately tender, irregularly shaped right-upper quadrant mass.
  • Hydronephrosis (fluid-filled kidney) can cause a smooth, spongy-feeling mass in one or both sides or toward the back (flank area).
  • Kidney cancer can sometimes cause a mass in the abdomen.
  • Liver cancer can cause a firm, lumpy mass in the right upper quadrant.
  • Liver enlargement (hepatomegaly) can cause a firm, irregular mass below the right rib cage (right costal margin), or on the left side in the stomach area (epigastric).
  • Neuroblastoma, a malignant tumor often found in the lower abdomen, that primarily occurs in children and infants.
  • Ovarian cyst can cause a smooth, rounded, rubbery mass above the pelvis in the lower abdomen.
  • Pancreatic abscess can cause a mass in the upper abdomen in the epigastric area.
  • Pancreatic pseudocyst can cause a lumpy mass in the upper abdomen in the epigastric area.
  • Renal cell carcinoma can cause a smooth, firm, nontender mass near the kidney (usually only affects one kidney).
  • Spleen enlargement (splenomegaly) -- the edge of an enlarged spleen may sometimes be felt in the left-upper quadrant.
  • Stomach cancer can cause a mass in the left-upper abdomen in the stomach area (epigastric) if the cancer is large.
  • Uterine leiomyoma (fibroids) can cause a round, lumpy mass above the pelvis in the lower abdomen (occasionally can be felt if the fibroids are large).
  • Volvulus can cause a mass anywhere in the abdomen.
  • Ureteropelvic junction obstruction can cause a mass in the lower abdomen.

Considerations

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:

  • Right-upper quadrant
  • Left-upper quadrant
  • Right-lower quadrant
  • Left-lower quadrant

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

  • Epigastric -- center of the abdomen just below the ribcage
  • Periumbilical -- the area around the bellybutton

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

Care

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

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

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:

  • Where is the mass located?
  • When did you notice the mass?
  • Does it come and go?
  • Has the mass changes in size or position, or has it become more or less painful?
  • What other symptoms do you have?

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

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.

Content provided by:

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2008 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Review Date: 11/16/2008

Reviewed 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.

Abdominal Mass Videos

Abdominal Mass Articles

  • The Best Workouts for Building Mass

    Building strength and mass in your muscles is usually the domain of body builders who want to get bigger and stronger. However, getting stronger will help everyone get in better shape and also burn...

  • Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Procedures

    ...hat runs into the abdomen is called the abdominal aorta. The abdominal aorta can become weak, causing the weakened portion to expand or bulge. This is known as abdominal aortic aneurysm. This...

  • About Electric Abdominal Exercise Machines

    Visibly toned abdominal muscles signify of strength and vitality in many cultures. It has long been accepted that the only way to develop a chiseled midsection was through hard work and dedication....

  • Advanced Symptoms of Abdominal Aneurysm

    An abdominal, or aortic, aneurysm is a weakened section of the aorta that balloons or bulges. The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body, and a rupture of this artery can cause life-threaten...

Show More

Images provided by Google

Related Symptoms

  • Abdominal mass

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

  • Testicle lump

    A testicle lump is swelling or a mass in one or both testicles.See also:Testicular cancerTesticular painTesticular se...

  • Lump in the abdomen

    ...of swelling in the belly area.See also: Abdominal mass

  • Bowel incontinence

    Bowel incontinence is the loss of bowel control, leading to an involuntary passage of stool. This can range from occa...

Related Diseases

  • Distention Of The Colon's Splenic Flexure

    Distention of the colon's splenic flexure is an enlargement of the splenic flexure beyond what is normal. The splenic...

  • Wilms tumor

    Wilms tumor is a type of kidney cancer that occurs in children.

  • Pancreatic pseudocyst

    A pancreatic pseudocyst is a collection of tissue, fluid, debris, pancreatic enzymes, and blood in the abdomen. It ca...

  • Fecal impaction

    A fecal impaction is a large mass of dry, hard stool that can develop in the rectum due to chronic constipation. This...

  • Retroperitoneal fibrosis

    ...kidneys to the bladder are blocked by a mass in the area behind the stomach and intestines.

  • Hydatidiform mole

    A hydatidiform mole is a rare mass or growth that forms inside the uterus at the beginning of a pregnancy. It is a ty...

Show More

Related Surgeries

  • Pelvic laparoscopy

    While you are deep asleep and pain-free under general anesthesia, the doctor makes a half-inch surgical cut in the sk...

  • Gastric bypass surgery

    ...may not be safe for you if you:Have had abdominal surgery in the past. This is because you may have scar tissue fr...

Related Tests

  • Adrenalectomy

    Adrenalectomy is surgery to remove one or more adrenal gland. The adrenal glands are part of the endocrine system and...

  • Mammography

    A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breasts. It is used to find tumors and to help tell the difference between non...

Conversations On Abdominal Mass

  • I work out and count calories & can't get the scale to budge


    • Posted On June 8, 2008 05:32:39 AM

      ...o it will allow fat burning and enhance abdominal fat loss.. This issue also has a good article on "Lose the last 10 stubborn pounds" Oxygen has some good articles but I can't do lot... Read More

    • Posted On June 8, 2008 06:32:42 AM

      wah~~30% fat sounds so much, i don't think i've ever had my fat intakes so high in my diet! Read More

  • Someone tell me what is the secret!?!?


    • Posted On November 29, 2007 12:38:29 PM

      ...o know how to lose fat/inches around my abdominal area. It's very hard because I am very short...and crunches don't work for me. Read More

    • Posted On November 29, 2007 01:27:02 PM

      ...o know how to lose fat/inches around my abdominal area. It's very hard because I am very short...and crunches don't work for me. crunches WON'T work. all trainers will even say, if you wa... Read More

  • Seeking Advice on How Much to Lose


    • Posted On May 24, 2009 09:20:26 PM

      ... forearms are quite thin...it's just my abdominal area that sticks out..literally. When I look in the mirror, I think I look OK straight on but if I turn my body for a side profile, it's not a p... Read More

    • Posted On May 25, 2009 02:48:06 AM

      Your not working with much muscle mass, I'd suggest what the above poster said. Get some lifting in and eat a healthy diet at around maintance calories.. it will take a few months but results will... Read More

  • Help with Routine


    • Posted On November 15, 2008 08:52:54 AM

      ...ce body fat and also build and tone the abdominal muscles? Sorry for the novel of a post, I just want to be thorough the first time if I can. Thanks for reading. Read More

    • Posted On November 16, 2008 03:45:44 PM

      ... calories. There is nothing wrong with abdominal and core exercises, as long as you understand that there is no such thing as "spot reducing". In other words, abdominal exercises do n... Read More

  • Advice needed please


    • Posted On July 31, 2008 06:42:09 AM

      ...ntake with heavy weights to put on some mass. I decided to drop the weight off first since it wasn't really that much. Plus, I’m a bit uncomfortable in my work slacks these days since gainin... Read More

    • Posted On July 31, 2008 07:05:04 AM

      ...y for the time being on cardio and back/abdominal exercises while still maintaining a full body workout. Once i reach my goal though, i will switch over to heavy weights and lean muscle will bec... Read More

  • sit-ups


    • Posted On January 13, 2008 08:26:32 AM

      ...instead be a 'core' workout with an Abdominal exercise <crunches are ok, plank, Pilates "hundreds") an Oblique exercise <side plank, side crunches, weighted side bends> a back ... Read More

    • Posted On January 12, 2008 03:21:17 PM

      I have a lot of belly fat, and I do a lot of cardio about 5 days a week, as well as strength training exercises too. I usually do sit-ups or crunches on a daily basis, and I know that this will... Read More

Show More

Abdominal Mass Blogs

Desmoid Tumour-MRI

Desmoid tumors are classified as extra-abdominal, intra-abdominal, or located within the abdominal wall. Abdominal wall desmoid tumors arise most commonly from the aponeurosis of the rectus abdominus muscle with out without intraabdominal extension...

Join My Photostream, Doc

The most impressive tool for clinical decision-making presented at the Health 2.0 conference was a program that allowed docs to share medical images over the Internet, developed by MyPACS.net.  Any DICOM image (e.g. CT scan, MRI, etc) can be...

An Organ of Many Talents, at the Root of Serious Ills

Natalie Angiers in The New York Times: Should anybody in the reliably pestilent health care debate be casting about for a mascot organ to represent some of the biggest medical crises that we Americans face, allow me to nominate a nonobvious candidate...

Regular aerobic exercise reduces health concerns associated with fatty liver

Researchers from the University of Sydney, Australia determined that patients with a sedentary lifestyle who engage in routine physical activities lower their risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The lower risk of problems associated with...

Write for LIVESTRONG.COM

Write for us

Do you work in health, fitness or nutrition? Share your expertise by writing for LIVESTRONG.COM

Learn More

Abdominal Mass Topic Guide

Advisor

Name Your name here

Profession What do you do?

What makes this topic important to you: Did you train for this? Do you work in this profession? Are you affected by this topic?

Is this topic important to you?

Do you know a lot about it? Become a guide and lead the conversation on this topic. Be a Guide

advertisement

Related Topics

more

Abdominal mass Images

Connect With People Who Have Abdominal Mass

avatar

Write for LIVESTRONG.COM

Write for us

Do you work in health, fitness or nutrition? Share your expertise by writing for LIVESTRONG.COM

Learn More

Talk

ttomacs: will being a lot of neck, parotid, skin, abdominal mass in a while...just hoping its not too late for them..

matthewdrichman: Betsy Ray (wife of TT elder John Ray) is undergoing surgery at 12:15 to remove an abdominal mass. Please say a quick prayer on her behalf.

Additional Reading



Tools

The Daily Plate

Track your daily calories. See how many calories you burn and consume.

Body Mass Index

BMI is a measurement of body fat based on height and weight.

LIVESTRONG Loops

Map your local running, cycling, walking and hiking routes and track your calorie burn.

Stay Motivated

Find us on the web, receive emails and use our mobile app to keep you motivated.

Symptom Checker

This tool will help you to decide whether to treat at home or see a doctor.