Abdominal mass - Symptoms,Causes
An abdominal mass is swelling in one specific part of the belly area (abdomen).
Considerations
An abdominal mass is usually detected on routine physical examinationphysical 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.
Causes
Abdominal aortic aneurysmAbdominal aortic aneurysm can cause a pulsating mass around the navel.
Bladder distentionBladder 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.
CholecystitisCholecystitis can cause a very tender mass that is felt below the liver in the right-upper quadrant (occasionally).
Colon cancerColon cancer can cause a mass almost anywhere in the abdomen.
Crohn's diseaseCrohn's disease or bowel obstruction can cause multiple tender, sausage-shaped masses anywhere in the abdomen.
DiverticulitisDiverticulitis 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.
HydronephrosisHydronephrosis (fluid-filled kidney) can cause a smooth, spongy-feeling mass in one or both sides or toward the back (flank area).
Kidney cancerKidney cancer can sometimes cause a mass in the abdomen.
Liver cancerLiver cancer can cause a firm, lumpy mass in the right upper quadrant.
Liver enlargementLiver 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).
NeuroblastomaNeuroblastoma, a malignant tumor often found in the lower abdomen, that primarily occurs in children and infants.
Ovarian cystOvarian cyst can cause a smooth, rounded, rubbery mass above the pelvis in the lower abdomen.
Pancreatic abscessPancreatic abscess can cause a mass in the upper abdomen in the epigastric area.
Pancreatic pseudocystPancreatic pseudocyst can cause a lumpy mass in the upper abdomen in the epigastric area.
Renal cell carcinomaRenal cell carcinoma can cause a smooth, firm, nontender mass near the kidney (usually only affects one kidney).
Spleen enlargementSpleen enlargement (splenomegaly) -- the edge of an enlarged spleen may sometimes be felt in the left-upper quadrant.
Stomach cancerStomach 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.
Home 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 painabdominal 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.
Update Date: 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.,
Abdominal mass - Symptoms,Causes
