There might be many possible causes for developing an unusual lump in the abdomen area, which include hematoma (collection of blood), lipoma (collection of fatty tissue), lymph nodes, tumors, hernias, etc.
So, yes, a hernia could be one of the common causes of such a lump, which can develop anywhere near the navel, groin area, or previous surgical scar on the abdomen. A hernia mostly occurs when the internal body parts push through a weak spot in the abdominal tissue wall.
The symptoms vary from one person to another depending on many factors, such as the type of hernia, its severity, and the underlying cause. However, a visible lump is one of the common symptoms of the hernia.
You may be able to find that the lump in your abdomen is a hernia if you are aware of the symptoms and risk factors. Indeed, if it is a hernia, you should be aware of the types and available treatment options.
Types of Hernias
Hernias are of different types, categorised based on the location where they occur, and have varying symptoms.
Inguinal hernia: This type of hernia is more commonly observed in men and occurs near the inguinal canal in the inner groin.
Femoral hernia: This type of hernia is more commonly observed in women, especially in pregnant or obese women, and occurs just below the inguinal ligament (femoral canal).
Umbilical hernia: This type of hernia is more commonly observed in newborns and in some adults as well. It occurs near the navel area (belly button).
Hiatal hernia: This type of hernia occurs near the chest cavity (upper abdomen ). Sometimes, you may not observe a visible lump, but it can result in symptoms like heartburn and acid reflux.
Incisional hernia: This kind of hernia is more frequently seen in the area of an incision made during prior surgery. This is because the abdominal tissue around the incision site might be weak.
Epigastric Hernia: This kind of hernia commonly occurs between the navel and lower part of the ribcage.
Signs and symptoms
The signs and symptoms of an abdominal lump, which is a hernia, are as follows:
As mentioned above, hernias are of different types, with each having different symptoms.
Symptoms of an inguinal hernia:
- You may feel pain while performing certain actions like coughing, bending over, or lifting something
- a sensation of burning near the lump
- Heavy feeling in the abdomen
- Weak feeling in the abdomen
- Abdominal pressure
Symptoms of a hiatal hernia:
- Chest pain
- Swallowing problems
- acid reflux
Most of the time, hernias don’t cause harm. Sometimes hernias go unnoticed, as they may not cause any symptoms. Doctors may diagnose it during a regular physical exam.
Sometimes these abdominal lumps cause a range of symptoms, such as fever, vomiting, and severe pain around the lump. In such cases, it is best to consult a doctor immediately.
Risks of developing a hernia
Several factors increase the chances of a hernia occurring:
- Genetic predisposition
- Increasing age
- Chronic cough
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Heavy Lifting
- Constipation
- Previous Surgery
Diagnosing a Hernia
If you observe a lump in the abdominal area and suspect it to be a hernia, you should consult a doctor for evaluation. The diagnosis of a hernia involves:
Physical examination: The doctor will examine you physically, look for visible bulges, and observe your symptoms like pain and visibility of the lump while you cough or strain.
Imaging tests: In certain cases, the doctor suggests imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to get more detailed information like the size and location of the hernia.
Treatment options for hernias
A wide range of treatment options are available for a hernia, and it depends on certain factors like its size, location, severity, and symptoms.
Watchful waiting
Certain small and symptomless hernias might not require specific treatment; the doctor might suggest watchful waiting with regular check-ups. This is because, in some cases, surgery can be delayed for months or even years, while others may never need surgery.
Lifestyle modifications
Lifestyle changes can delay the surgery by managing symptoms or preventing them from worsening:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Use proper lifting techniques, or avoid lifting heavy objects as much as possible.
- If you have a chronic cough, get it treated
- Eat a healthy diet with high-fiber
Surgical treatment
If you want to fix a troublesome hernia, then surgery could be the only option, especially if it is large, painful, or complicated, like strangulation.
A hernia surgery can be performed in two different ways:
Open Surgery
This is the traditional surgery where the surgeon makes a single large incision near the hernia to fix the weak muscle wall. Sometimes, a synthetic mesh is placed against the abdominal wall in the weak spot to provide additional support.
However, this surgery is suggested when laparoscopy is not a viable option.
Laparoscopic surgery
This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure, which is more beneficial than open surgery. In this procedure, a few small incisions are made, and a laparoscope with a camera head, along with a few other instruments, is inserted to repair the hernia. It typically results in a quicker recovery and less post-operative pain.
Dr. Venugopal Pareek, one of the best hernia surgeons in Hyderabad, says that any type of hernia can be treated. If you suspect any lumps in your abdominal area, consult an expert immediately. To get an appointment with a top laparoscopic hernia surgeon in Hyderabad, call +91 91777 77715 and book your slot.
