Abdominal mass

Abdominal Mass

An abdominal mass is a noticeable swelling or lump in the abdomen that can be felt upon physical examination. The presence of an abdominal mass is a clinical sign of various medical conditions, ranging from benign (non-cancerous) conditions such as cysts or hernias, to malignant (cancerous) conditions such as colorectal cancer or ovarian cancer.

Causes

Abdominal masses can be caused by a wide range of conditions, including:

• Gastrointestinal tract disorders, such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, or inflammatory bowel disease
• Liver disease, such as hepatomegaly (enlarged liver) or liver cancer
• Pancreatic disease, such as pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer
• Kidney disease, such as polycystic kidney disease or renal cell carcinoma
• Gynecological conditions, such as ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease
• Hernia, a condition in which an organ or fatty tissue squeezes through a weak spot in a surrounding muscle or connective tissue

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of an abdominal mass typically involves a combination of physical examination, medical history, and imaging studies. The specific diagnostic tests used may depend on the suspected underlying cause of the mass.

Treatment

The treatment of an abdominal mass depends on the underlying cause. Treatment options may include medication, surgery, or other interventions.

See also

• Abdominal pain
• Abdominal distension
• Abdominal examination