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Lump in the abdomen

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Definition:

A lump in the abdomen is a soft bulge of tissue or a small, local area of swelling in the belly area.

See also: Abdominal mass

Alternative Names:

Abdominal hernia; Hernia - abdominal; Abdominal wall defects

Common Causes:

Most often, a lump in the abdomen is caused by a hernia. An abdominal hernia occurs when there is an area where the muscles are weak, and this allows the internal organs to bulge through the abdominal wall.

A hernia can form where the surgical cut was made. An incisional hernia may not appear until after straining, heavy lifting, or a prolonged period of coughing .

Related topics:

• Diaphragmatic hernia
• Femoral hernia
• Hiatal hernia
• Umbilical hernia

References:

Seidel HM, Ball JW, Daines JE, Benedict GW. Mosby’s Guide to Physical Examination . St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2006.

Chirdan LB, Uba AF, Kidmas AT. Incarcerated umbilical hernia in children. Eur J Pediatr Surg . 2006; 16(1):45-48.

• Review Date: 7/17/2007
• Reviewed 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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