An abdominal mass is swelling in one part of the belly area (abdomen). An abdominal mass is most often found during a routine physical exam . Most of the time the mass develops slowly. You may not be able to feel the mass. Locating the pain helps your health care provider make a diagnosis. For example, the abdomen can be divided into 4 areas: Other terms used to find the location of abdominal pain or masses include: The location of the mass and its
firmness, texture, and other qualities can provide clues to its cause. Several conditions can cause an abdominal mass: All abdominal masses should be examined as soon as possible by the provider. Changing
your body position may help relieve pain due to an abdominal mass. Get medical help right away 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 provider if you notice any type of
abdominal mass. In nonemergency situations, your provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms and medical history. In an emergency situation, you will be stabilized first. Then, your provider will examine your abdomen and ask questions about your symptoms and medical history, such as: A pelvic or rectal exam may be needed in some cases. Tests that may be done to find the cause of an abdominal mass include: Ball JW, Dains JE, Flynn JA, Solomon
BS, Stewart RW. Abdomen. In: Ball JW, Dains JE, Flynn JA, Solomon BS, Stewart RW, eds. Siedel's Guide to Physical Examination . 8th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby; 2015:chap 17. McQuaid K. Approach to the patient with gastrointestinal disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 132. Squires R, Carter SN, Postier RG. Acute abdomen. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox
KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery . 20th ed. Elsevier; 2017:chap 45. Abdominal mass
Mass in the abdomen Considerations
Causes
Home Care
When to Contact a Medical Professional
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
References
Anatomical landmarks, front view - illustration
There are three body views (front, back and side) that may be helpful if you are uncertain of a body area. Many areas are referred to by both descriptive and technical names. For example, the back of the knee is called the popliteal fossa. However, areas like the "flank" may not have both names, so the location may be unclear.
Anatomical landmarks, front view
illustration
Digestive system - illustration
The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted.
Digestive system
illustration
Fibroid tumors - illustration
Fibroid tumors may not need to be removed if they are not causing pain, bleeding excessively, or growing rapidly.
Fibroid tumors
illustration
Aortic aneurysm - illustration
Abdominal aortic aneurysm involves a widening, stretching, or ballooning of the aorta. There are several causes of abdominal aortic aneurysm, but the most common results from atherosclerotic disease. As the aorta gets progressively larger over time there is increased chance of rupture.
Aortic aneurysm
illustration
Anatomical landmarks, front view - illustration
There are three body views (front, back and side) that may be helpful if you are uncertain of a body area. Many areas are referred to by both descriptive and technical names. For example, the back of the knee is called the popliteal fossa. However, areas like the "flank" may not have both names, so the location may be unclear.
Anatomical landmarks, front view
illustration
Digestive system - illustration
The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted.
Digestive system
illustration
Fibroid tumors - illustration
Fibroid tumors may not need to be removed if they are not causing pain, bleeding excessively, or growing rapidly.
Fibroid tumors
illustration
Aortic aneurysm - illustration
Abdominal aortic aneurysm involves a widening, stretching, or ballooning of the aorta. There are several causes of abdominal aortic aneurysm, but the most common results from atherosclerotic disease. As the aorta gets progressively larger over time there is increased chance of rupture.
Aortic aneurysm
illustration
A Closer Look
- Osteoporosis
(Alt. Medicine)
- Obesity
(Alt. Medicine)
- Diverticular disease
(Alt. Medicine)
- Crohn disease
(Alt. Medicine)
- Weight control and diet
(In-Depth)
- Ulcerative colitis
(Alt. Medicine)
- Ovarian cancer
(In-Depth)
- Cystic fibrosis
(Alt. Medicine)
- Constipation
(Alt. Medicine)
- Peptic ulcer
(Alt. Medicine)
Self Care
Tests for Abdominal mass
- Pelvis MRI scan
- Liver scan
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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