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Published on: 5/6/2025

What Could Cause a Painful Lump in the Abdomen?

A painful lump in the abdomen can be caused by different conditions like cysts, tumors, or bleeding in the area. It is important to see a doctor to understand the exact reason and get the right treatment.

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Explanation

There are several reasons why someone might feel a painful lump in their belly. One possible cause is a lymphangioma, which is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor of the lymphatic vessels. Sometimes, these can occur in the pancreas and cause pain. Another possibility is an infected mesenteric cyst. The mesentery is a tissue that holds your intestines in place, and if a cyst there gets infected, it can become painful and swollen. Also, bleeding inside the belly, known as an abdominal hematoma, can create a lump and cause discomfort. In children, a painful abdominal lump can also be tricky to diagnose because it might be due to different conditions that look similar. While these are some known causes of a painful lump in the abdomen, only a healthcare provider can make a proper diagnosis by using tests like imaging studies and a physical exam. If someone experiences this symptom, it is important to seek medical care promptly.

(References)

  • Ray R, Baruah TD, Mahobia HS, Borkar A. Pancreatic Lymphangioma: An Unusual Cause of Abdominal Lump. Cureus. 2021 Nov 10;13(11):e19452. doi: 10.7759/cureus.19452. PMID: 34926026; PMCID: PMC8654082.

  • Sudiono DR, Ponten JB, Zijta FM. Acute Abdominal Pain Caused by an Infected Mesenteric Cyst in a 24-Year-Old Female. Case Rep Radiol. 2016;2016:8437832. doi: 10.1155/2016/8437832. Epub 2016 Apr 12. PMID: 27190668; PMCID: PMC4844871.

  • Shikhman A, Tuma F. Abdominal Hematoma. [Updated 2023 Apr 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519551/

  • Ajmera P, Jadhav V. Painful Abdominal Lump in the Pediatric Age Group: A Diagnostic Dilemma. Cureus. 2021 Feb 7;13(2):e13202. doi: 10.7759/cureus.13202. PMID: 33728165; PMCID: PMC7946611.

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