CLINICAL DIAGNOSTIC MANUAL
The presence of an abdominal mass in the left lower quadrant (LLQ) can be indicative of a variety of pathological conditions, each with its own clinical characteristics and diagnostic requirements.
This finding may be associated with a range of symptoms, from abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits to systemic symptoms such as fever and weight loss. Correct evaluation and diagnosis of a mass in this region are crucial for proper patient management and may involve both imaging studies and laboratory tests to identify the underlying etiology.
Pathology | Symptoms and Clinical Signs | Suspicion Diagnosis | Confirmatory Diagnosis |
|---|---|---|---|
Diverticular Abscess | LLQ abdominal pain, fever, palpable mass, general malaise | Clinical history and physical examination | Abdominal and Pelvic CT scan |
Descending Colon Carcinoma | Abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, weight loss, blood in stools | Clinical history, physical examination, fecal occult blood test | Colonoscopy with biopsy, Abdominal and Pelvic CT scan |
Fecal Impaction | Abdominal pain, severe constipation, palpable abdominal mass | Clinical history and physical examination | Abdominal X-ray, Abdominal and Pelvic CT scan |
Diverticulitis | LLQ abdominal pain, fever, changes in bowel habits | Clinical history and physical examination | Abdominal and Pelvic CT scan, abdominal ultrasound |
Ovarian Cyst (in women) | LLQ abdominal pain, menstrual irregularities, urinary symptoms | Clinical history and gynecological examination | Transvaginal ultrasound, Abdominal and Pelvic CT scan |
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) | Abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, weight loss, fever, anemia | Clinical history, physical examination, blood tests (CRP, ESR) | Colonoscopy with biopsy, Abdominal and Pelvic CT scan |
Incarcerated Inguinal Hernia | LLQ abdominal pain, painful mass in the inguinal region, obstructive symptoms | Clinical history and physical examination | Inguinal ultrasound, Abdominal and Pelvic CT scan |
Lymphoma | Palpable abdominal mass, fever, weight loss, night sweats, fatigue | Clinical history, physical examination, blood tests (LDH, CBC) | Biopsy of the affected lymph node, Abdominal and Pelvic CT scan, PET scan |
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