What Causes A Painful Lump In Upper Abdomen Below The Ribcage?

Posted on Wed, 16 Jul 2014

Question: Hi, I have a softball sized bulge at the upper right quadrant of my abdomen just below my ribcage. I have sharp stinging pains at that area and I feel better after I go for a bowel movement. I can hear gastric fluid moving there.
I do have diverticulitis but is not bothering me on my left side. I have been event free with this for many years. What I have here is about 6 months old but getting worse. my doctor hasn't said anything about it.

Answered by Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It looks like a subcutaneous swelling.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for posting in health care magic.
As per your image, it looks like a swelling just beneath the skin.
It could be a Lipoma (fat deposit) , Sebaceous cyst etc.
A simple investigation like Ultrasound abdomen will give a clue.
If it is subcutaneous, then go for FNAC (Fine needle aspiration cytology) test which confirms the diagnosis.
Get it removed by General surgeon if it is a subcutaneous swelling.
If the swelling is arising from the abdomen as per Ultrasound, you should for CT scan to confirm the diagnosis.
Please consult your doctor and get investigated.
If you have any queries, I will clarify further.
Nothing to worry.
Wish you good health
Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T