Abdominal mass 3961546 207415704 2008-04-22T18:30:39Z WLU 2118749 rd An '''abdominal mass''' is any localized enlargement or swelling in the [[human abdomen]]. Depending on its location, the abdominal mass may be caused by an enlarged [[liver]] ([[hepatomegaly]]), enlarged [[spleen]] ([[splenomegaly]]), protruding [[kidney]], a [[pancreatic mass]], a [[retroperitoneal mass]] (a mass in the posterior of the [[peritoneum]]), an [[abdominal aortic aneurysm]], or various [[tumour]]s, such as those caused by [[abdominal carcinomatosis]] and [[omental metastasis]]. The treatments depend on the cause, and may range from [[watchful waiting]] to radical [[surgery]]. ==Features== Many abdominal masses are discovered incidentally during routine [[physical examination]]. When they present [[symptom]]atically, abdominal masses are most frequently associated with [[pain]] or digestive problems. However, depending on the cause, masses may be associated with other [[sign (medical)|sign]]s and symptoms, such as [[jaundice]] or [[bowel obstruction]]. ==Diagnosis== The first steps in diagnosis are a [[medical history]] and physical examination. Important clues during history include [[weight loss]], [[diarrhea]] and [[abdominal pain]]. During physical examination, the clinician must identify the location of the mass, as well as characterize its location (usually specified in terms of [[quadrant]]s). The mass should be assessed for whether it is rigid or mobile. It should also be characterized for pulse or [[peristalsis]], as these would help in further identifying the mass. Routine [[blood test]]s are usually the next step in diagnosis after a thorough medical history and physical examination. They should include a [[full blood count]], [[blood urea nitrogen]] (BUN), [[creatinine]], and [[liver function tests]] such as [[Liver function tests#Albumin (Alb)|albumin]], [[international normalized ratio]] (INR), [[partial thromboplastin time]] (PTT), [[serum amylase]] and [[Liver function tests#Total bilirubin (TBIL)|total bilirubin]] (TBIL). If late-stage [[liver disease]] is suspected, then a [[Liver function tests#Serum glucose (BG, Glu)|serum glucose]] may be appropriate. ==Common causes== * [[Abdominal aortic aneurysm]] * [[Bladder distention]] * [[Cholecystitis]] (an [[inflammation]] of the [[gallbladder]]) * [[Colorectal cancer|Colon cancer]] * [[Crohn's disease]] * [[Bowel obstruction]] * [[Diverticulitis]] * Gallbladder tumor * [[Hydronephrosis]] (fluid-filled kidney) * [[Kidney cancer]] (including [[renal cell carcinoma]]) * [[Hepatocellular carcinoma|Liver cancer]] * [[Hepatomegaly]] (Liver enlargement) * [[Neuroblastoma]] * [[Ovarian cyst]] * [[Pancreatic abscess]] * [[Pancreatic pseudocyst]] * [[Splenomegaly]] (Spleen enlargement) * [[Stomach cancer]] * [[Uterine leiomyoma]] (fibroids) * [[Volvulus]] (twisted piece of the [[gastrointestinal tract]]) * [[Ureteropelvic junction]] obstruction ==References== * [http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency MedlinePlus medical encyclopedia]: [http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003274.htm Abdominal mass] - An informative primer on abdominal masses and their common causes. * [http://gastroresource.com/GITextbook/en/Default.htm First Principles of Gastroenterology]: [http://gastroresource.com/GITextbook/En/chapter1/1-18.htm Abdominal Mass] - This chapter discusses the basic approach to abdominal masses. [[Category:Medical signs]]