What Are the Most Common Causes of a Lump in the Abdomen?

When you notice a lump in your abdomen, it can result from several causes. One common cause is a lipoma, a benign, soft mass formed from fatty tissue that is usually painless and movable. Hernias, where internal tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall, are another frequent reason and can appear as a lump, often changing in size with pressure. Cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs, may also develop in the abdomen and can be benign. In rarer cases, a lump might be due to unusual growths such as a pancreatic lymphangioma—a benign tumor of the lymph vessels—although this is much less common. Healthcare providers typically assess these lumps by doing a physical exam and imaging tests like ultrasound or CT scans to determine their size, location, and nature. In some instances, fine needle aspiration cytology is used to further diagnose the type of tissue involved. While most abdominal lumps are not harmful, it’s important to have any new or changing lump evaluated by a doctor to ensure the proper diagnosis and treatment if necessary.