Can a Lump in the Abdomen Be an Indication of Colon Cancer?

Reviewed by Suo Lee, MD

Internal Medicine

A lump in the abdomen can sometimes be associated with colon cancer, especially if it’s an advanced case, but many abdominal lumps are caused by benign conditions as well.

Explanation

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, can sometimes lead to the formation of a mass or lump in the abdomen, especially in advanced stages when the tumor increases in size or if there is spread (metastasis) to surrounding tissues. However, it is important to note that many lumps in the abdomen are due to benign conditions, such as cysts, lipomas (non-cancerous fatty tumors), or hernias. In some reported cases, colon cancers have even masqueraded as other abdominal conditions, making diagnosis more challenging. Typically, colon cancer is also associated with other symptoms such as changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or blood in the stool. If you notice a new lump in your abdomen along with any concerning symptoms, it is important to have it evaluated by a healthcare provider. They may recommend imaging studies, colonoscopy, and possibly a biopsy to determine whether the lump is related to colon cancer or due to another cause.

(References)

Duan B, Zhao Y, Bai J, et al. Colorectal Cancer: An Overview. In: Morgado-Diaz JA, editor. Gastrointestinal Cancers [Internet]. Brisbane (AU): Exon Publications; 2022 Sep 30. Chapter 1. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK586003/doi: 10.36255/exon-publications-gastrointestinal-cancers-colorectal-cancer
Munghate A, Kumar A, Singh H, Singh G, Singh B, Chauhan M. Carcinoma transverse colon masquerading as carcinoma gall bladder. J Gastrointest Oncol. 2014 Apr;5(2):E40-2. doi: 10.3978/j.issn.2078-6891.2014.009. PMID: 24772345; PMCID: PMC3999631.
Elshami M, Ayyad M, Alser M, Al-Slaibi I, Ahmed Naji S, Mohamad BM, Sudki Isleem W, Shurrab A, Yaghi B, Qabaja YA, Hmdan FK, Fuad Dwikat M, Raed Sweity R, Jneed RT, Assaf KA, Albandak ME, Madhat Hmaid M, Awwad II, Khalil Alhabil B, Alarda MN, Saleh Alsattari A, Aboyousef MS, Aljbour OA, AlSharif R, Teddy Giacaman C, Alnaga AY, Nemer RMA, Almadhoun NM, Mahmoud Skaik S, Abu-El-Noor N, Bottcher B. Awareness of colorectal cancer signs and symptoms: a national cross-sectional study from Palestine. BMC Public Health. 2022 Apr 30;22(1):866. doi: 10.1186/s12889-022-13285-8. Erratum in: BMC Public Health. 2023 Sep 18;23(1):1810. doi: 10.1186/s12889-023-16709-1. PMID: 35501803; PMCID: PMC9063349.

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