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epigastric lump in abdomen

by Ms. Emmanuelle Kuhlman Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

An epigastric hernia may cause pain and tenderness. Epigastric hernias are lumps or bulges that occur in the upper part of the abdominal wall – in an area known as the epigastrium, which is above the navel and just below the breastbone. Epigastric hernias can be present from birth.

An epigastric hernia usually causes a bump to occur in the area below your sternum, or breastbone, and above your belly button. This bump is caused by a mass of fat that has pushed through the hernia. The raised area may be visible all the time or only when you cough, sneeze, or laugh.

Full Answer

What are the health risk factors of an epigastric hernia?

What are the Complications of Epigastric Hernia Surgery?

  • Wound infection can be a complication of epigastric hernia surgery. Infections may occur after the surgery if not taken care properly. ...
  • Wound hematoma is a complication of epigastric hernia surgery. A firm swelling can be seen if there is bleeding under the skin. ...
  • Recurrence of epigastric hernia is a possible complication of epigastric hernia surgery. ...

How to treat epigastric pain at home?

Therefore, here are some of the preventions for epigastric hernia which can be useful:

  • Avert chronic constipation to prevent epigastric hernia.
  • Treat chronic cough issues.
  • Reduce weight if you are a victim of obesity to prevent epigastric hernia.
  • Do moderate exercises or yoga to prevent epigastric hernia
  • Avoid doing heavy work during the first week after any abdominal surgery.

What are the most common symptoms of an epigastric hernia?

Your chances are also higher if you:

  • Are overweight
  • Have been pregnant multiple times
  • Have a lot of belly fluid (a condition called ascites)
  • Have a long-term cough
  • Have trouble peeing because of an enlarged prostate
  • Are constipated for long periods of time
  • Vomit repeatedly

What does a lump protruding above the stomach indicate?

What causes a hard lump on the abdomen?

  • Abdominal structures. A hard lump in the abdomen is usually the result of one or more of the structures behaving abnormally.
  • Hernia. ...
  • Other causes. ...
  • Lipoma. ...
  • Hard abdominal lump questionnaire. ...
  • Skin cyst. ...
  • Skin abscess. ...
  • Ovarian cyst. ...
  • Uterine fibroids. ...
  • Stomach Neoplasm. ...

More items...

What is an epigastric lump?

An epigastric hernia is a lump in the midline between your belly button and sternum (breastbone) which can cause pain. Your abdominal cavity contains your intestines and other structures. These are protected by your abdominal wall, which is made up of four layers.

What is the lump in my upper abdomen?

Most often, a lump in the abdomen is caused by a hernia. An abdominal hernia occurs when there is a weak spot in the abdominal wall. This allows the internal organs to bulge through the muscles of the abdomen. A hernia may appear after you strain, or lift something heavy, or after a long period of coughing.

What does an epigastric hernia feel like?

Signs and symptoms include: A bulge in the affected area. Pain — which can range from a dull ache to severe pain — especially when coughing, sneezing or lifting heavy objects. Bloating or constipation.

What does a cancerous lump in abdomen feel like?

Abdominal liposarcoma Abdominal liposarcomas are a type of cancer that grows from fat cells in the body, including those at the back of the abdomen. Symptoms: A person may experience stomach pain, abdominal swelling, indigestion, abnormal bowel movements, weakness, nausea, or vomiting.

Can you feel a hard lump in your stomach?

Possible causes include hernias, lipomas, hematomas, undescended testicles, and tumors. Not all abdominal lumps require treatment, but some may need surgery. Abdominal lumps can be hard or soft and may feel sore. However, they may also appear with no additional symptoms.

Is abdominal lump serious?

If you feel or see a lump in your abdomen that you can't identify, make an appointment to see your doctor. If you also have a fever, vomiting, discoloration, or severe pain around the lump, you may need emergency care.

What can be mistaken for epigastric hernia?

Epigastric hernias can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired. They are similar to an umbilical hernia, except the umbilical hernia forms around the belly button and the epigastric hernia is usually between the belly button and the chest.

How do I know if I have a hernia in my upper stomach?

Signs and Symptoms of a HerniaAn obvious swelling beneath the skin of the abdomen or the groin. ... A heavy feeling in the abdomen that sometimes comes with constipation or blood in the stool.Discomfort in the abdomen or groin when lifting or bending over.A burning or aching sensation at the bulge.More items...

Can you see an epigastric hernia?

An epigastric hernia usually causes a bump to occur in the area below your sternum, or breastbone, and above your belly button. This bump is caused by a mass of fat that has pushed through the hernia. The raised area may be visible all the time or only when you cough, sneeze, or laugh.

How can you tell if a lump is cancerous?

Bumps that are cancerous are typically large, hard, painless to the touch and appear spontaneously. The mass will grow in size steadily over the weeks and months. Cancerous lumps that can be felt from the outside of your body can appear in the breast, testicle, or neck, but also in the arms and legs.

What does a sarcoma lump feel like?

Symptoms of soft tissue sarcomas For example: swelling under the skin may cause a painless lump that cannot easily be moved around and gets bigger over time. swelling in the tummy (abdomen) may cause abdominal pain, a persistent feeling of fullness and constipation.

What is the lump below center of rib cage?

The xiphoid process, also referred to as the metasternum, is a small, bony extension of the sternum at its lower end. When this part is damaged, it gets inflamed. The resultant swelling may form a lump on the abdomen. The sternum, or breastbone, is in the center of the chest.

10 Causes of Epigastric Pain

So if epigastric pain is so common, what’s causing it?The truth is, there are many possible causes of epigastric pain. Epigastric pain can be attri...

Diagnosing Causes of Epigastric Pain

With all the potential causes of epigastric pain, how are you supposed to determine which one is contributing to your pain?The only way to accurate...

Symptoms of Epigastric Pain

Epigastric pain does not only hurt, but it can also bring about a range of other symptoms with it. Depending on what’s causing your pain, you could...

Treatment of Epigastric Pain

Treatment of epigastric pain depends entirely on what is causing it. For pain that occurs because of overeating, alcohol consumption, or food trigg...

What is the term for a bump in the abdomen that can be seen and felt?

pain. tenderness . an abdominal bump that can be seen and felt. Certain actions, such as straining, crying, or having a bowel movement, may produce or exacerbate these symptoms. The symptoms of some epigastric hernias come and go, which is known as a reducible hernia.

What causes an epigastric hernia?

Some factors that may cause or exacerbate epigastric hernias include: obesity. pregnancy. coughing fits. heavy lifting. physical labor. intensive training or sports.

How long does it take for a bulge to heal after abdominal surgery?

Some postoperative pain, discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the abdominal area are normal. Doctors may recommend pain relief for the first 48 hours. A bulge may still be present after the surgery. This is likely to be caused by the suture used to close the abdominal wall and should diminish over time.

Where are hernias located?

Epigastric hernias are lumps or bulges that occur in the upper part of the abdominal wall – in an area known as the epigastrium, which is above the navel and just below the breastbone. Epigastric hernias can be present from birth.

What is the stitch for a hernia?

If the area causing muscular weakness is small, the surgeon may stitch it up. These permanent stitches are known as sutures, and they will prevent the hernia from pushing through again. Large areas of muscular weakness may require a patch of nylon mesh, which is stitched in place to cover the hole.

Can an epigastric hernia be incarcerated?

A doctor may diagnose an epigastric hernia as an incarcerated hernia, which means it is stuck in the “out” position. Although not an emergency, this does require medical attention. If a hernia does not have an adequate blood supply, it will require emergency treatment to prevent tissue damage.

Can a small hernia cause a stomach to push through?

Typically, an epigastric hernia is small, with only the lining of the abdomen breaking through the surrounding tissue. Larger hernias, however, may cause fatty tissue or part of the stomach to push through. For many people, small hernias do not cause problems, may only appear at certain times, and may not be noticeable when lying down.

What is the pain in the upper abdomen?

Epigastric pain is a name for pain or discomfort right below your ribs in the area of your upper abdomen. It often happens alongside other common symptoms of your digestive system. These symptoms can include heartburn, bloating, and gas. Epigastric pain isn’t always cause for concern.

Why does my epigastric pain feel so bad after eating?

It can also make it hard to breathe because your lungs have less room to expand when you inhale. Overeating can also cause stomach acid and contents to back up into your esophagus. This can cause heartburn and acid reflux. These conditions can make the epigastric pain that you feel after eating much worse.

What is the name of the hole in the stomach that the esophagus passes through?

A hiatal hernia happens when part of your stomach gets pushed up towards your diaphragm through the hole that the esophagus passes through, which is called the hiatus. Hiatal hernias don’t always cause pain or discomfort. Common symptoms of a hiatal hernia can include: indigestion.

Why does my gallbladder hurt?

Gallbladder inflammation or gallstones. Epigastric pain can develop when your gallbladder becomes inflamed as gallstones block the opening of your gallbladder. The condition is known as cholecystitis. This can be painful and may require hospitalization or surgery.

What are the symptoms of peptic ulcers?

Common symptoms of peptic ulcer disease can include: nausea. vomiting.

What to do if your epigastric is hurting?

Your doctor may recommend antacids or even acid-blocking medicines to relieve your pain. If an underlying condition such as GERD, Barrett’s esophagus, or peptic ulcer disease is causing your epigastric pain, you may require antibiotics as well as long-term treatment to manage these conditions.

How long does gastritis last?

It can be acute and last for only a brief time, or it can be chronic, lasting for years or more if you don’t get treatment. Common symptoms of gastritis can include: pain or discomfort in your upper body or chest. nausea. vomiting, or throwing up blood or something that looks like coffee grounds. passing black stool.

What causes a lump in the abdomen?

A person with an abdominal lump may notice an area of swelling or a bulge that protrudes from the abdominal area. Possible causes include hernias, lipomas, hematomas, undescended testicles, and tumors. Not all abdominal lumps require treatment, but some may need surgery.

Why do I have lumps in my abdomen?

A hernia is a common cause of abdominal lumps. Hernias are a common cause of abdominal lumps. The muscles and tissue wall inside a person’s abdomen are usually strong enough to keep the internal organs and intestines in place. At times though, the muscles can weaken, and this can allow an internal part of the body to push through them, ...

What is the procedure to remove a hernia?

If a hernia grows larger or additional symptoms present, a doctor may recommend that the person has a surgical procedure called a laparoscopy. During a laparoscopy , the surgeon will make a small incision in the person’s abdomen and insert a tube with a light and camera so that they can see the abdominal organs.

What is a lump under the skin called?

Lipoma. A lipoma is a fatty lump that develops underneath the skin. Lipomas tend to grow gradually over time as the fat collects to form the lump. They can develop on any part of a person’s body and may feel rubbery to the touch.

What to do if lump is not a hernia?

If the lump is not a hernia, the doctor may perform further tests to make a diagnosis.

When to see a doctor for a lump in the abdomen?

When to see a doctor. Anyone with a lump that appears unexpectedly in the abdomen should see a doctor as soon as possible . A doctor can determine the cause of the lump and recommend the appropriate treatment. Not all lumps will need treatment, but some may require surgery.

How do you know if you have an inguinal hernia?

There are different types of hernia, each with distinct symptoms. A person with an inguinal hernia may notice: pain when coughing, bending over, or lifting something. a burning or aching sensation where the lump has developed. a feeling of heaviness or weakness in the abdomen. a sense of pressure in the abdomen.

Where does epigastric pain occur?

Epigastric pain is pain that occurs in the upper abdomen, which is the area just beneath your ribs. It’s common for people to experience epigastric pain while they are eating or directly after eating.

What causes epigastric pain?

9. Gall bladder infections and gallstones: Any condition that affects your gallbladder can also cause epigastric pain. Typically these types of conditions cause pain on your lower right side, but that pain can spread up to your upper abdomen. 10.

What causes pain in the esophagus?

Many different health issues can contribute to epigastric pain. Here are 10 common epigastric pain causes: 1. Acid reflux : Acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) cause stomach acid to flow upwards into your esophagus (which is the tube that connects your stomach and throat).

What is the first sign of epigastric cancer?

One of the first signs of cancer is the sudden onset of unexplained pain. 9.

What causes a burning sensation in the chest?

Heartburn and indigestion: Similar to acid reflux, indigestion occurs when your stomach produces an excessive amount of acid that flows up into your esophagus. This commonly causes heartburn, which is a burning sensation in your chest. However, it also typically causes epigastric pain.

Why does my upper abdomen hurt?

If you’re experiencing excessive pain throughout your entire upper body, it could be due to something like gastritis or acid reflux.

What to eat to help with stomach pain?

Cumin seeds, fennel seeds, and lemon juice all help secrete digestive juices in your stomach. Having a warm glass of lemon juice and a couple of tablespoons of cumin seeds before a meal will help prevent any pain from developing. After a meal, eat half a teaspoon of fennel seeds, unless you’re pregnant.

What is a hard lump in the stomach?

Hard lump in stomach explained. The abdomen contains many important structures responsible for digestion and the filtration of toxins. When everything is in working order, you probably don't give it much thought. If you notice a lump in this area, it may be concerning; however, it does not guarantee a medical emergency.

What happens after abdominal surgery?

After surgery, the abdominal wall is closed; however, weight gain, pregnancy, or excessive activity too soon after the procedure can result in an increase in abdominal pressure and stretching of the incision. This makes it easy for contents to protrude through the incision, resulting in a hernia.

What is a hernia in the body?

A hernia occurs when part of an organ pushes through an opening or weakness in the muscles or tissues that surround it. The protrusion can result in a noticeable lump or bulge in the area. Hernias can result due to the following:

How do you know if you have a lipoma?

Lipomas most often appear after age 40. Symptoms include a soft, easily moveable lump beneath the skin, about two inches across. A lipoma is painless unless its growth is irritating the nerves around it. They are most often found on the back, neck, and abdomen, and sometimes the arms and upper legs.

What to do if you have a lump in your lymph nodes?

Antibiotics: If you have swollen lymph nodes due to infection, your physician will provide appropriate antibiotic treatment . Cancer treatment: If your hard abdominal lump and associated symptoms are due to cancer, your physician will discuss treatment options including surgery, radiation or chemotherapy.

Where is the developmental hernia located?

This hard lump is located in the area of the belly button and is easily identifiable in newborns and small children.

Where does liposarcoma occur?

This cancer can occur in any part of the body, but most often involves the thigh or the belly (abdomen).

The most common cause of a lump between the rib cage above the stomach

The most common underlying problem that can cause an abdominal mass to appear is a hernia. A hernia occurs when part of an organ, or fatty tissue, squeezes into an area where it has no business being in.

Other reasons for an abdominal mass

Your abdominal cavity is home to a number of organs like the stomach, gut, spleen, liver, kidneys, urinary bladder, pancreas, gallbladder, etc. The location of the abdominal mass on your belly may help your healthcare practitioner begin to identify which organ (or associated structure) it is coming from.

What are the symptoms of an abdominal mass?

The symptoms of an abdominal lump will depend on the underlying condition. Pain is usually the most common symptom, along with tenderness of the lump. Many times, you will not experience any symptoms.

What to do about abdominal lumps

If you think you have a lump in the upper abdomen, visit your healthcare practitioner. However, a lump might not be apparent to you and will only be found during a routine physical exam.

Stay ahead of health issues with proactive screenings

A lump between the ribcage above the stomach may indicate many things, from minor issues like abscesses, cysts, and lipomas, to more serious causes like hernia or cancer. If you find an abdominal mass, see your healthcare practitioner.

Hard Lumps on Abdomen

I have noticed 3 hard lumps on my stomach, 2 about 2 inches above my belly button and 1 a few inches above those. You can't see them but you can feel them when you press and they hurt. I have also had stabbing pains in my lower and upper stomach, cramping, gas, different bowel movements and noisy stomach in general. I am terrified of cancer.

Hard Lumps on Abdomen

It's so easy to start panicing when we find a lump on our bodies but completely understandable, I am exactly the same. I think its definetly a good move going to the doctors, with all your symptoms sounds like there must be something going on, I know its hard but try not to jump to conculsions, their are many things it could be rather than cancer.

Hard Lumps on Abdomen

Hi, just wondered, did you ever find out what the lumps were? Hope you're ok!

Hard Lumps on Abdomen

Hi, did you ever find out what the abdominal lumps were? I am worried about mine x

Hard Lumps on Abdomen

Hi, so I had an ultrasound of my entire abdomen and they couldn't see what I was feeling! They said they must just be little fatty lumps tissue in the layers of the skin, definitely no raised lymph nodes anywhere. They said sometimes fatty tissue can become inflamed and perhaps thats what I can feel.

Hard Lumps on Abdomen

I still waiting on appointment for doctors so I'm pretty much in same boat as you

Hard Lumps on Abdomen

Hi all this seems very similar to what I am experiencing at the moment so last night for no reason I started pressing on my belly and noticed small lumps then I moved further up and felt another then moved all.around my stomach are and felt more they ate almost symmetrical in pattern if I feel.one on one side there's one on the other I have tried to call the docs today and they have nothing available which is standard I call at 8am to get same day then don't get through till 8.30 to be told they have nothing available I'm not overly worried at the moment as I'm.convinced it's fatty lumps anyone get any answers please.

Why does my left side of my stomach hurt?

Pain in the upper left abdomen can be caused by a stomach ulcer, acute gastritis, or indigestion. Abdominal pain is usually a sign of a common illness or infection. Other causes include indigestion, a stomach ulcer, IBS, or food poisoning. Left Arrow Icon.

What is a small sac or lump filled with fluid, air, fat, or other material?

A cyst is a small sac or lump, filled with fluid, air, fat, or other material, that begins to grow somewhere in the body for no apparent reason. A skin cyst is one that forms just beneath the skin.

How do you know if you have a lipoma?

Lipomas most often appear after age 40. Symptoms include a soft, easily moveable lump beneath the skin, about two inches across. A lipoma is painless unless its growth is irritating the nerves around it. They are most often found on the back, neck, and abdomen, and sometimes the arms and upper legs.

How to tell if you have an abscess?

If not treated, there is the risk of an abscess enlarging, spreading, and causing serious illness. Diagnosis is made through physical examination.

What is the name of the growth on the lower leg?

Dermatofibroma. A dermatofibroma is a common skin growth that usually appears on the lower legs, but may appear anywhere on the body. These growths are benign (noncancerous). Dermatofibromas are most common in adults and are rarely found in children. Symptoms include a hard, raised growth that is red, pink, ...

What is a lipoma?

It is simply a growth of fat between the muscle layer and the skin above it. The exact cause is not known. The condition does run in families and is associated with other unusual syndromes such as adiposis dolorosa, which is similar. Lipomas most often appear after age 40.

What is the name of the cancer that grows in fat cells?

Cancer of fat cells. Liposarcoma is a type of cancer characterized by tumors growing in fatty tissues. This cancer can occur in any part of the body, but most often involves the thigh or the belly (abdomen). Top Symptoms: fatigue, unintentional weight loss, abdominal bump, hard palpable mass, painless abdominal lump.

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