Finding a lump on your lower stomach can cause concern. While many are benign, some may require medical attention. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice; any new or changing lump should always be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Common Causes of Lower Stomach Lumps
A common reason for a lump in the lower abdomen is a hernia, which occurs when an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or tissue wall. Inguinal hernias are common, involving a protrusion near the groin, often affecting men. Umbilical hernias appear around the belly button, while incisional hernias develop at the site of a previous surgical incision where the abdominal wall has weakened.
Another possible cause is a lipoma, a non-cancerous growth composed of fatty tissue. These lumps feel soft, rubbery, and are movable under the skin, usually not causing pain unless they press on nerves. Lipomas grow slowly and are generally harmless.
Cysts can also form in the lower abdomen, appearing as fluid-filled sacs. Ovarian cysts are a common type that can cause a lump in the lower abdomen, particularly if they grow large. These cysts form on or inside an ovary and, while often benign, some can cause discomfort or require treatment.
Hematomas, or collections of blood under the skin, can result from injury to the abdominal wall. A rectus sheath hematoma involves bleeding into the rectus abdominis muscle sheath, causing a mass and abdominal pain. This can be caused by rupture of epigastric arteries or muscle tears.
Swollen inguinal lymph nodes in the groin area can be felt as lumps. Lymph nodes are small glands that play a role in the immune system, filtering foreign substances like bacteria and viruses. They may swell in response to infections or injuries in the lower body, genitals, or legs. While most lumps are benign, a lump could rarely be a tumor.
Accompanying Symptoms and Characteristics
Observing a lump’s characteristics and any other symptoms provides valuable information for a healthcare provider. The lump’s nature can vary, including whether it is tender, causes sharp or dull pain, or feels soft, firm, or hard to the touch. Note if the lump is mobile (moves easily under the skin) or fixed in place.
Changes in the lump’s size, such as rapid growth or shrinkage, are important. The skin overlying the lump might show changes like redness, warmth, or discoloration, which could indicate inflammation or infection. Other symptoms include fever, nausea, or vomiting. Changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea) or unexplained weight loss can also be relevant. Difficulty with urination or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen may also accompany some types of lumps.
When to Seek Professional Medical Advice
Any new, unexplained, or changing lump in the lower stomach warrants evaluation by a doctor. Self-diagnosis is not advisable given the range of potential causes.
Certain symptoms indicate a need for more urgent medical attention. Urgent signs include sudden, severe pain near the lump. Rapid growth, along with signs of infection (fever, increasing redness, or warmth over the lump), requires immediate medical attention. If a hernia is suspected and the lump cannot be gently pushed back in, or if it is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or signs of bowel obstruction, it could indicate a strangulated hernia, which is a medical emergency.
Understanding the Diagnostic Process
Consulting a doctor about a lower stomach lump typically begins with an initial consultation. The healthcare provider will ask detailed questions about your medical history, the lump’s characteristics, and any accompanying symptoms. A physical examination will also be performed, where the doctor will gently press on the abdomen to assess the lump’s size, consistency, mobility, and to determine if it is painful.
Based on this initial assessment, the doctor may order diagnostic tests to visualize internal structures and identify the cause of the lump. Common imaging tests include ultrasound, CT (computed tomography), and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans. Blood tests might be conducted to check for signs of infection or inflammation. In some cases, if a tumor is suspected, a biopsy may be necessary to determine if the growth is benign or malignant. The treatment approach will depend entirely on the underlying cause, ranging from observation for harmless conditions to medication or surgical intervention for more serious issues.