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What Causes Lump On Left Side Of Abdomen?

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Posted on Thu, 12 Feb 2015
Question: My 74 year old husband, otherwise in very good health, has a soft, sore lump on his lower left side. It is towards his navel but seems to be near the lower rib. The lump moves and is about the size of a golf ball.
There are no other side effects that I've notices. Seems to bother him in both a sitting and lying down position. It's sore to the touch but not otherwise?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (23 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Hernia seems most probable reason.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Thank you for the query.

This lump can be an abdominal hernia or soft tissues benign lesion.

Tenderness is more characteristic for a hernia. Due to a hoe in abdominal muscles and tendons, a fat (and sometimes intestine) from the abdominal cavity appears under the skin. The hole can be small and located close to the umbilicus. Hernia lump usually gives pain when coughing, lifting or even bending. It may be tender, especially if it stuck and can not get back to abdominal cavity.

Soft tissues benign lesion is usually a lipoma or sebaceus cyst. Both do not turn into a cancer. Lipoma is usually painless. Sebaceus can be painful when infected. In such case there should be some redness around it as well.

I suggest him to consult a general surgeon. In case of any doubts, ultrasound should be done.
Hernia should be fixed with a surgery. Lipoma or cyst can be removed with small incision and local anesthesia.

Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (12 minutes later)
Several of the possibilities seem likely. We will make an appointment to get a physical exam.
The lump is nearer to the lower rib than it is to the naval so I'm thinking Lipoma or Cyst but from what you said, the pain "to touch" makes it less likely to be a Lipoma.

It's nice to have a doctor on call. Thank you Dr. Stanko.

doctor
Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (8 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Ultrasound will give the answer what exactly it is.

Detailed Answer:
Well, for sure this lump should not be the reason to concern. And ultrasound will give accurate answer.

Regards.
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Grzegorz Stanko

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 5796 Questions

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What Causes Lump On Left Side Of Abdomen?

Brief Answer: Hernia seems most probable reason. Detailed Answer: Hello! Thank you for the query. This lump can be an abdominal hernia or soft tissues benign lesion. Tenderness is more characteristic for a hernia. Due to a hoe in abdominal muscles and tendons, a fat (and sometimes intestine) from the abdominal cavity appears under the skin. The hole can be small and located close to the umbilicus. Hernia lump usually gives pain when coughing, lifting or even bending. It may be tender, especially if it stuck and can not get back to abdominal cavity. Soft tissues benign lesion is usually a lipoma or sebaceus cyst. Both do not turn into a cancer. Lipoma is usually painless. Sebaceus can be painful when infected. In such case there should be some redness around it as well. I suggest him to consult a general surgeon. In case of any doubts, ultrasound should be done. Hernia should be fixed with a surgery. Lipoma or cyst can be removed with small incision and local anesthesia. Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions. Regards.