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Abdominal Masses

By Philip E. Gleason, MD

An abdominal mass is a lump or hard or soft mass felt in the abdomen or stomach area. It is usually felt on physical examination at birth or during the first few weeks or months of life. It can represent many different diagnoses. Sometimes it arises from the urinary tract, sometimes from the intestinal tract. In girls, it may arise from the reproductive tract.

If one feels a mass on physical exam, it is most often further evaluated with an abdominal and pelvic ultrasound. This is an excellent first step to begin to identify the cause of the mass and to guide further evaluation of the urinary tract, gastro-intestinal tract or reproductive organs with a CAT scan, etc., as needed.

Many masses are quite benign; others can be serious. Many will arise from the urinary tract and will require further urologic assessment to complete the diagnosis and plan any further treatment or follow-up that may be needed.