CLINICAL DIAGNOSTIC MANUAL
The presence of an abdominal mass in the epigastric or umbilical regions can be a significant clinical sign, indicating various pathologies affecting the organs located in these areas.
This finding during physical examination can provide crucial insight into the diagnosis of serious conditions that require immediate evaluation and treatment. Abdominal masses in these areas may be related to neoplasms, aneurysms, or inflammation, and identifying the underlying cause is essential for proper management.
Condition | Symptoms and Clinical Signs | Suspicion Diagnosis | Confirmatory Diagnosis |
|---|---|---|---|
Gastric Carcinoma | Weight loss, anorexia, dyspepsia, persistent epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, hematemesis, melena, palpable epigastric mass | Clinical history, clinical symptoms | Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsy, abdominal CT/MRI, tumour markers (CEA) |
Pancreatic Carcinoma | Upper abdominal pain radiating to the back, weight loss, jaundice, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, palpable mass in the epigastric or umbilical region | Clinical history, clinical symptoms | Abdominal CT/MRI, tumour markers (CA 19-9), biopsy |
Aortic Aneurysm | Pulsatile abdominal or lumbar pain, abdominal pulsation sensation, palpable pulsatile abdominal mass, hypotension, syncope, shock symptoms (in case of rupture) | Clinical history, physical examination, clinical symptoms | Abdominal ultrasound, abdominal CT/MRI, angiography |
Comments