Why Might a Female Have a Hard Lump Above Her Belly Button?

In females, a hard lump in the area above the belly button may have several explanations. One common cause is an umbilical hernia, where internal tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall near the umbilicus. This type of hernia often presents as a firm mass and is usually benign. Another possibility is umbilical endometriosis, although rare, where endometrial tissue (tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus) implants in the umbilical region. This condition can cause a palpable lump and sometimes pain, and it might occur in women of reproductive age or even after menopause. In rarer cases, a hard lump near the belly button may indicate an umbilical metastasis, known as a Sister Mary Joseph nodule, which can be a sign of advanced cancer spreading from an intra-abdominal source. Each of these conditions has different implications for treatment, so it is important to have any new or changing lump evaluated by a healthcare provider. They may use physical examination and imaging studies to determine the exact cause and advise on the most appropriate management.