An abdominal lump is a swelling or bulge that emerges from any
area of the abdomen. It most often feels soft, but it may be firm depending on
its underlying cause.
In most cases, a lump is caused by a hernia. An
abdominal hernia is when the abdominal cavity structures push through a
weakness in your abdominal wall muscles. Usually, this can be easily corrected
with surgery.
In rarer cases, the lump may be an undescended testicle, a
harmless hematoma, or a lipoma. In even rarer circumstances, it may be a
cancerous tumor.
If you also have a fever, vomiting, or pain around an abdominal
lump, you may need emergency care.
Causes –
A hernia causes the majority of lumps in
the abdomen. Hernias often appear after you have strained your abdominal
muscles by lifting something heavy, coughing for a long period, or being
constipated.
Types of hernia
Inguinal hernia
Umbilical
hernia
Incisional
hernia
Hematoma
Lipoma
Undescended
testicles
Tumor
Diagnosis –
If you have a hernia, your doctor will likely be able to
diagnose it during the physical exam. Your doctor may want you to undergo an
imaging study, such as an ultrasound or CT scan of your
abdomen. Once your doctor confirms an abdominal hernia is present, you can then
discuss arrangements for a surgical correction.
If your doctor doesn’t believe the lump is a hernia, they may
require further testing. For a small or asymptomatic hematoma or lipoma, you
probably won’t need further tests.
If a tumor is suspected, you may need imaging tests to determine
its location and extent. You’ll likely also need a biopsy, which involves
tissue removal, to determine if the tumor is benign or malignant.