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Alternative Names Return to top
Mass in the abdomenDefinition 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. 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 4 areas: right-upper quadrant, left-upper quadrant, right-lower quadrant, and left-lower quadrant.
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
Seidel HM, Ball JW, Daines JE, Benedict GW. Mosby’s Guide to Physical Examination. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2006. Update Date: 7/17/2007 Updated by: Robert Hurd, MD, Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, and physician in the Primary Care Clinic, Cincinnati Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 25 September 2008 |