Lump in the AbdomenSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Lump in the Abdomen
A lump in the abdomen is a small area of swelling or bulge of tissue in the belly.
Abdominal hernia; Hernia - abdominal; Abdominal wall defects; Lump in the abdominal wall; Abdominal wall mass
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.
There are several types of hernias, based on where they occur:
- Inguinal hernia appears as a bulge in the groin or scrotum. This type is more common in men than women.
- Incisional hernia can occur through a scar if you have had abdominal surgery.
- Umbilical hernia appears as a bulge around the belly button. It occurs when the muscle around the navel does not close completely.
Other causes of a lump in the abdominal wall include:
- Hematoma (collection of blood under the skin after injury)
- Lipoma (collection of fatty tissue under the skin)
- Lymph nodes
- Tumor of the skin or muscles
Contact your health care provider if you have a lump in your abdomen, especially if it becomes larger, changes color, or is painful.
If you have a hernia, contact your provider if:
- Your hernia changes in appearance.
- Your hernia is causing more pain.
- You have stopped passing gas or feel bloated.
- You have a fever.
- There is pain or tenderness around the hernia.
- You have vomiting or nausea.
The blood supply may be cut off to the organs that stick out through the hernia. This is called a strangulated hernia. This condition is very rare, but it is a medical emergency when it occurs.
Your provider will examine you and ask questions about your medical history and symptoms, such as:
- Where is the lump located?
- When did you first notice the lump in your abdomen?
- Is it always there, or does it come and go?
- Does anything make the lump bigger or smaller?
- What other symptoms do you have?
During the physical exam, you may be asked to cough or strain.
Surgery may be needed to correct hernias that do not go away or cause symptoms. The surgery may be done through a large surgical cut, or through a smaller cut into which the surgeon inserts a camera and other instruments.
Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center - Nebraska Medical Center
Jason Foster is a Surgical Oncologist practicing medicine in Omaha, Nebraska. He has been practicing medicine for over 32 years. Dr. Foster is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Lump in the Abdomen. He is also highly rated in 11 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Pseudomyxoma Peritonei, Melanoma, Lump in the Abdomen, Splenectomy, and Bladder Reconstruction.
Avera Medical Group Gynecologic Oncology — Prairie Center
Michael Bidus, MD, provides gynecologic oncologic services at Avera Medical Group Gynecologic Oncology in Sioux Falls, SD. Dr. Bidus is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Lump in the Abdomen. He is also highly rated in 18 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Malignant Mixed Mullerian Tumor, Ovarian Carcinosarcoma, Testicular Yolk Sac Tumor, Oophorectomy, and Splenectomy. Dr. Bidus is board certified in American Board Of Obstetrics And Gynecology American Board Of Obstetrics And Gynecology, Subspecialty In Gynecologic Oncology.
Texas Health Surgical Specialists
Robert Hagood is a General Surgeon practicing medicine in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Hagood is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Lump in the Abdomen. He is also highly rated in 10 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Hernia, Gallbladder Disease, Umbilical Hernia, Hernia Surgery, and Small Bowel Resection.
Published Date: July 03, 2025
Published By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor Emeritus, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Ball JW, Dains JE, Flynn JA, Solomon BS, Stewart RW. Abdomen. In: Ball JW, Dains JE, Flynn JA, Solomon BS, Stewart RW, eds. Seidel's Guide to Physical Examination. 10th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2023:chap 18.
Privratsky AM, Barreto JC, Turnage RH. Abdominal wall, umbilicus, peritoneum, mesenteries, omentum, and retroperitoneum. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 21st ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 44.