Abdominal Mass in the Epigastrium or Umbilical Regions

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