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An abdominal mass is swelling in one specific part of the belly area (abdomen).
Alternative NamesMass in the abdomen
ConsiderationsAn 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.
Common 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.
- Cholecystitiscan cause a very tender mass that is felt below the liver in the right-upper quadrant (occasionally).
- Colon cancercan cause a mass almost anywhere in the abdomen.
- Crohn's diseaseor bowel obstruction can cause multiple tender, sausage-shaped masses anywhere in the abdomen.
- Diverticulitiscan 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 cancercan sometimes cause a mass in the abdomen.
- Liver cancercan 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 cystcan 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 cancercan 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.
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.
Call your health care provider ifSeek 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 health care provider's officeIn 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:
- Abdominal CT scan
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Abdominal x-ray
- Angiography
- Barium enema
- Blood tests such as CBC and blood chemistry
- Colonoscopy
- EGD
- Isotope study
- Sigmoidoscopy
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.
What else can I help you with?
What are the typical costs of an exploratory abdominal surgery in cats?
to remove abdominal mass
What is the icd 9 code for abdominal wall mass?
789.30
What is the purpose of the abdominals?
As an imaging tool, abdominal ultrasound generally is warranted for patients afflicted with: chronic or acute abdominal pain; abdominal trauma; an obvious or suspected abdominal mass; symptoms of liver disease, pancreatic.
Is Nancy Grace ill?
No, but she had an abdominal mass removed in 2010 that turned to to be benign.
For what patients are abdominal ultrasounds used as an imaging tool?
for patients afflicted with chronic or acute abdominal pain; abdominal trauma; an obvious or suspected abdominal mass; symptoms of liver or biliary tract disease, pancreatic disease, gallstones, spleen disease, kidney disease, and urinary blockage
Are the abdominal muscles the largest muscle group in the body?
If you are talking about actual mass size, the quadriceps and hamstrings would be the largest muscle group in the body.
What is a pulsating mass that is noted mid-abdomen?
A pulsating mass in the mid-abdomen is often indicative of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), which is an abnormal dilation of the abdominal aorta. This condition can be life-threatening if it ruptures, leading to severe internal bleeding. Other potential causes could include organ enlargement or tumors, but an AAA is a primary concern, especially in older adults or those with risk factors like hypertension or a history of smoking. Prompt medical evaluation is crucial.
What are the symptoms of a mass on a German shepherds spleen?
Symptoms of a mass on a German Shepherd's spleen can include lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, and abdominal swelling or discomfort. Other signs may include vomiting, diarrhea, or pale gums, indicating potential internal bleeding. If the mass is causing splenic torsion, sudden pain and collapse may occur. Prompt veterinary evaluation is essential for diagnosis and treatment.
What is the purpose of a prostate ultrasound?
As an imaging tool, abdominal ultrasound generally is warranted for patients afflicted with: chronic or acute abdominal pain; abdominal trauma; an obvious or suspected abdominal mass; symptoms of liver disease, pancreatic.
What is a duodenal submucosal mass?
A duodenal submucosal mass is a growth or abnormal tissue located beneath the mucosal lining of the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine. These masses can be benign or malignant and may cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, or bleeding. Further evaluation with imaging studies and possibly a biopsy may be needed for proper diagnosis and treatment.
How do I reduce an abdominal mass on a dog?
This depends on the cause of the mass, where it is and what type of tissue. It really cannot be dealt with except by a veterinarian. It could be a fluid filled cyst from various causes, a tumour, scarring, an overactive organ caused by some other issue, or many other things. Only a vet can assess this properly, and they will be able to advise what is the best approach for treatment. Do not delay in seeking treatment. It is unlikely to get better by itself.
Is there a disease that causes someone not to poop?
Yes, a condition called fecal impaction can cause someone not to be able to poop. This occurs when a hard mass of stool becomes stuck in the rectum and is unable to pass. It can lead to severe constipation, abdominal pain, and other complications if left untreated.
