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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 a localized swelling or enlargement in one area of the abdomen.

Considerations    Return to top

An abdominal mass is usually detected on routine physical examination. It may not have been detected by the affected person because most abdominal masses develop slowly.

An abdominal mass can be a sign of an abscess, a problem with a blood vessel (such as an aneurysm), an enlarged organ (such as the liver, spleen, or kidney), a tumor, or an accumulation of feces.

The abdomen is usually divided into 4 quadrants: right-upper quadrant, left-upper quadrant, right-lower quadrant, and left-lower quadrant. Other terms used to localize masses (or pain) in the abdomen include periumbilical, which describes the area around the navel, and epigastric, which describes the area in the center of the abdomen just below the ribcage. 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    Return to top

Home Care    Return to top

All abdominal masses should be examined as soon as possible by the health care provider. In the meantime, a few measures can help reduce discomfort. Changing the body position can sometimes increase comfort if the mass is accompanied by discomfort.

If the mass is accompanied by sudden or severe pain, consider this an emergency situation, and see your health care provider immediately!

Call your health care provider if    Return to top

What to expect at your health care provider's office    Return to top

In nonemergency situations, a complete medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed. In emergency situations, the condition of the affected person will be stabilized first, then the abdomen will be examined and the medical history will be obtained.

Medical history questions documenting an abdominal mass in detail may include: The physical examination will include extra attention to the entire abdomen. Several position changes may be necessary during abdominal examination because some masses can only be felt in certain positions. A pelvic examination and a rectal examination may also be performed in some cases.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed are:

Update Date: 10/29/2003

Updated by: Jeffrey Everett, M.D., Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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