Lump in Stomach

Formation of mass or lump in any part of the body is an abnormal condition that can arise due to several reasons. A lump is defined as a soft bulge or protuberance in the skin. One must be aware that development of a lump is the classic symptom of cancer of any kind. But, one need not panic, as apart from cancer, formation of lump or bulging mass in stomach can also be a symptom of other diseases and disorders.

In most of the cases, lump in the abdomen is caused due to hernia. Inguinal hernia causes lump in lower abdomen; while umbilical hernia causes lump around the belly button.

As mentioned above, abdominal hernia is the most common cause for having a lump in the stomach. In case of abdominal hernia, there is a rupture in the inner lining of the abdomen wall through which bodily structures protrude, causing bulging or swelling in the abdomen.

A person of any age group can suffer from hernia. Abdominal hernia is caused by performing any activity which exerts excess pressure on the abdominal wall. These include straining during bowel movement, pregnancy, obesity, lifting heavy objects or chronic severe cough.

 Depending on the exact location of the hernia, abdominal hernia can be classified into different types as epigastric hernia, femoral hernia, inguinal hernia, indirect inguinal hernia, incisional hernia and umbilical hernia.

A bulge or a lump in stomach which enlarges when the person is in the standing position is the most prominent symptom of abdominal hernia. Other symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, blood in stool may also be seen.

Urinary tract infection is a collective name for bacterial infection seen in any part of the urinary tract, i.e., the kidneys, ureter, urethra and the urinary bladder. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the most common UTI causing bacteria.

This disease occurs when some harmful bacteria from the digestive tract travel to the urethra and multiply, causing infection. If the infection occurs in the urethra, it results in a disease called urethritis; whereas if it occurs in the kidney, it results in cystitis or kidney infection.

Peculiarly, urinary tract infection is commonly seen in women than in men. Older and diabetic people are also at a higher risk of contracting this disease. Abdominal bulging or discomfort, painful urination, bladder pain, etc. are the symptoms of urinary tract infection.

Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, is the most severe cause of lump in stomach. Stomach cancer develops when a malignant tumor grows in the outermost lining of the stomach. The tumor usually grows in the muscular sac which is located in the middle of the stomach, just below the ribs.

The exact cause of stomach cancer is unknown; however, doctors often believe that diet and lifestyle plays an important role in increasing the risk of stomach cancer. Eating excess salty and fatty food, excess smoking and alcohol consumption is believed to cause stomach cancer.

Similarly, men, specially older men are more prone to stomach cancer. It should also be noted that abdominal mass is also a symptom of ovarian cancer (only in females) and kidney cancer.

If a person observes or feels a lump in the abdomen, he/she should immediately consult the doctor. Sometimes, you may also experience other symptoms like pain, nausea, fever, vomiting, etc. If hernia is not treated at the opportune time, it can result in complications like intestinal strangulation.

Laparoscopic surgery is effective in treating hernia. Urinary tract infections can be treated with antibiotics. Treatment of stomach cancer depends on the development and spread of the cancerous cells. In its early stage, surgery can be used to remove the tumor completely.

In later stages, radiation and chemotherapy may be required. It should be noted that there are no home remedies to treat this condition; seeking quick and proper medical advice is the only treatment method.

As we have just seen, the causes of lump in abdomen are serious medical conditions, and hence, should not be ignored. Therefore, one needs to identify this symptom, and get it properly diagnosed and treated as early as possible.

Disclaimer: This story is meant only to provide information. It should not be substituted for doctor's advice and treatment. Take care!