What Does a Cancerous Lump Feel Like in the Abdomen?

Reviewed by Suo Lee, MD

Internal Medicine

A cancerous lump in the abdomen is often felt as a firm, hard, and irregular mass that tends to be fixed to underlying tissues and may not be tender in its early stages.

Explanation

When evaluating an abdominal lump, cancerous growths often exhibit certain tactile characteristics that differentiate them from benign lesions. Typically, such a mass feels firm or hard to the touch and may have an irregular surface with poorly defined borders. Cancerous lumps are often fixed, meaning they do not move easily when you press on them, because the tumor tends to invade or adhere to surrounding tissues. In some cases, especially in the early stages, they might not cause significant pain, which can delay detection. Over time, as the tumor grows and affects nearby structures, there may be an increase in discomfort or pain. It is important to note that while these features can raise suspicion for malignancy, a definitive diagnosis usually requires imaging studies like CT or MRI and often a biopsy. If you notice an unusual or persistent lump in your abdomen, consulting a healthcare provider is crucial for further evaluation and appropriate management.

(References)

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Bowles MJ, Benjamin IS. ABC of the upper gastrointestinal tract: Cancer of the stomach and pancreas. BMJ. 2001 Dec 15;323(7326):1413-6. doi: 10.1136/bmj.323.7326.1413. PMID: 11744568; PMCID: PMC1121865.
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Ashtakar A, Shenoy A, Agnihotri M, Kothari K. Lumps and Bumps on the Abdominal Wall: Role of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology. Turk Patoloji Derg. 2024;40(2):117-121. doi: 10.5146/tjpath.2023.12926. PMID: 38265098; PMCID: PMC11131566.

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