What is epigastric mass?

Category: medical health digestive disorders
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An abdominal mass is an abnormal growth in the abdomen. An abdominal mass causes visible swelling and may change the shape of the abdomen. A person with an abdominal mass may notice weight gain and symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, pain, and bloating.



Consequently, what does epigastric mean?

Medical Definition of epigastric 1 : lying upon or over the stomach. 2a : of or relating to the anterior walls of the abdomen epigastric veins. b : of or relating to the abdominal region lying between the hypochondriac regions and above the umbilical region epigastric distress.

Likewise, does a mass mean cancer? mass (mas) In medicine, a lump in the body. It may be caused by the abnormal growth of cells, a cyst, hormonal changes, or an immune reaction. A mass may be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer).

Beside this, is an abdominal mass always cancer?

Colon cancer can cause a mass almost anywhere in the abdomen. Crohn disease or bowel obstruction can cause many tender, sausage-shaped masses anywhere in the abdomen. Diverticulitis can cause a mass that is usually located in the left-lower quadrant. Kidney cancer can sometimes cause a mass in the abdomen.

What are the early warning signs of stomach cancer?

The signs and symptoms of stomach cancer can include:

  • Poor appetite.
  • Weight loss (without trying)
  • Abdominal (belly) pain.
  • Vague discomfort in the abdomen, usually above the navel.
  • A sense of fullness in the upper abdomen after eating a small meal.
  • Heartburn or indigestion.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting, with or without blood.

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What relieves epigastric pain?

Your doctor may recommend antacids or even acid-blocking medicines to relieve your pain. If an underlying condition such as GERD, Barrett's esophagus, or peptic ulcer disease is causing your epigastric pain, you may require antibiotics as well as long-term treatment to manage these conditions.

How is epigastric pain diagnosed?

How is epigastric pain diagnosed and treated?
  1. Medicines may be given to treat pain or stop vomiting.
  2. Blood or urine tests may show problems such as infection or inflammation.
  3. An x-ray is used to check your kidneys and bladder.
  4. An ultrasound is used to check your gallbladder for stones or other blockage.

What organs are involved in the epigastric region?

The epigastric region contains:
  • the esophagus.
  • the stomach.
  • the liver.
  • the spleen.
  • the pancreas.
  • the right and left kidneys.
  • the right and left ureters.
  • the right and left suprarenal glands.

Where is the epigastric region located?

In anatomy, the epigastrium (or epigastric region) is the upper central region of the abdomen. It is located between the costal margins and the subcostal plane.

What is the word root of epigastric?


epigastric (ˌepiˈgastric) or epigastrial (ˌepiˈgastrial) adjective. Word origin. C17: from New Latin, from Greek epi- + gastrion, from gastēr stomach.

What does gastritis feel like?

The signs and symptoms of gastritis include: Gnawing or burning ache or pain (indigestion) in your upper abdomen that may become either worse or better with eating. Nausea. Vomiting.

What are the causes of epigastric pain?

Epigastric pain is a common symptom of an upset stomach, which can be due to long-term gastrointestinal problems or just the occasional bout of indigestion.
  • Indigestion.
  • Acid reflux and GERD.
  • Overeating.
  • Lactose intolerance.
  • Drinking alcohol.
  • Esophagitis or gastritis.
  • Hiatal hernia.
  • Peptic ulcer disease.

What is dyspepsia of the stomach?

What to know about indigestion or dyspepsia. Dyspepsia, also known as indigestion, is a term that describes discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen. It is not a disease. The term refers to a group of symptoms that often include bloating, discomfort, nausea, and burping.

What is the difference between a tumor and a mass?

The word tumor simply refers to a mass. This is a general term that can refer to benign (generally harmless) or malignant (cancerous) growths. Benign tumors are non-malignant/non-cancerous tumor. A benign tumor is usually localized, and does not spread to other parts of the body.

How do you know if a mass is cancerous?


When the cells are abnormal and can grow uncontrollably, they are cancerous cells, and the tumor is malignant. To determine whether a tumor is benign or cancerous, a doctor can take a sample of the cells with a biopsy procedure.

What could a mass in the stomach be?

An abdominal mass is an abnormal growth in the abdomen. An abdominal mass causes visible swelling and may change the shape of the abdomen. A person with an abdominal mass may notice weight gain and symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, pain, and bloating. Abdominal masses are often treatable.

What is the difference between a mass and a cyst?

A cyst is a sac of tissue that is filled with another substance, such as air or fluid. Tumors are solid masses of tissue. Cysts can form anywhere on the body, including on the bones and soft tissues. Most cysts are noncancerous, although there are some exceptions.

Can CT scan tell difference between cyst and tumor?

These types of imaging include ultrasounds, CT scans, MRI scans, and mammograms. Cysts that look smooth, both to the naked eye and in diagnostic images, are almost always benign. However, the only way to confirm whether a cyst or tumor is cancerous is to have it biopsied by your doctor.

Will stomach cancer show up in blood work?

When looking for signs of stomach cancer, a doctor may order a blood test called a complete blood count (CBC) to look for anemia (which could be caused by the cancer bleeding into the stomach). The doctor might recommend other tests if cancer is found, especially if you are going to have surgery.

Can gastritis be mistaken for stomach cancer?


This type of inflammation is called gastritis, and it can cause long-term problems. Gastritis can sometimes lead to pain, nausea and vomiting. But it often has no symptoms at all. If left untreated, though, some types of gastritis can lead to ulcers (sores in the stomach lining) or even stomach cancer.

Is abdominal mass dangerous?

Examples of serious abdominal masses are cancer, abscess, and abdominal aortic aneurysm, which is a life-threatening enlargement of the aorta within the abdomen. A physician may detect abdominal masses on physical examination.

Can you have a tumor in your stomach?

Stomach cancer begins when cancer cells form in the inner lining of your stomach. These cells can grow into a tumor. Also called gastric cancer, the disease usually grows slowly over many years. If you know the symptoms it causes, you and your doctor may be able to spot it early, when it's easiest to treat.