lumps on both sides of lower abdomin(abdomen)

[rocker]

I'm a 47 year old man with swollen lumps on both sides of lower abdomin (abdomen). I'm having frequent urinating day and night. these swollen areas are most noticable when standing. My family has a history of colon & prostate cancers. I first noticed these lumps a few months ago, now they are larger and have become a bit tender.
Also for the last month or so I've Had diahrea more times than not and when I don't, my stools seem a bit mishapen. I have also had hemeroids for years, with no treatment. I havn't had a digital rectal exame yet, but I do have an appointment with my doctor.

[Forum-M.D.-DT]

Thank you for visiting the Family Practice Forum.

These swollen lumps you describe in  combination with some changes in your bowel movements make me think that you should certainly have an examination by a doctor as well as a digital rectal exam to evaluate not only the presence or absence of blood in the stool, but also to see if there may be some prostate enlargement which may be causing the increased frequency of urination.

These swollen areas in the lower abdomen do make me think of either lymph node enlargement or possibly an inguinal hernia.

If there is a weak area of muscle or ligaments surrounding the gut in the abdomen, part of the gut can push through and will appear as a lump under the skin. This lump is called a hernia. Hernias commonly occur in the groin area but can occur on the stomach or under some other weak point, like an operation scar.

Cause
A hernia or ‘inguinal hernia’ occurs when part of the gut or intestine pushes out of a weak area in the body (abdominal) wall. Hernias can occur after lifting something heavy or as a result of a bad cough, but sometimes they just appear. Being overweight or pregnant can sometimes cause the intestine to push through the abdominal wall. If you are badly constipated, this strain can also be a cause of a hernia. Hernias are not usually serious. However, if too much gut comes out of the body, it can become squeezed or ‘strangulated’, which can be extremely painful and should be treated as a medical emergency.

Symptoms
You will notice a small lump, usually in the groin. The lump is not usually painful but it may ache. As time goes on, the lump will inevitably become larger.

Treatment
Seek medical advice immediately if you suspect you have a strangulated hernia, as it should be treated quickly. A hernia is usually treated by a surgical operation carried out through a cut in the groin. In some cases, you may only need day surgery, and you can usually be back at work in 1-2 weeks. Very occasionally, a hernia may come back and a second operation might be needed, but this is now rare. Commonly, in addition to repairing the hernia (hole) in the abdominal wall, the surgeon will place an strong “mesh” to further support the region and prevent recurrence of the hernia. While you are waiting for surgery, you may be offered a truss which is a belt-like appliance with a pad that exerts pressure over the hernia. This prevents the bowel coming out of the body. A truss can help ease the discomfort of your hernia, but it is not a cure.

I think in light of your family history of colon and prostate cancer, the following should be done in a timely manner:

1. Blood test for "Prostate Specific Antigen" (PSA)
2. Digital rectal exam to determine whether or not there is the presence of blood in the stool OR if there is evidence of prostate enlargement
3. Examination by your phsyician to determine whether or not these "lumps" represent and Inguinal Hernia.

I hope this proves helpful. Feel free to contact me here with any further questions you may have.
Dean M. Tomasello, M.D.

[becababe]

i first started with pain in my lower right hand side with lower back pain it went on for 2 weeks now the pain is in my lower left side with lower back pain. i have no fever, but i feel like getting sick sometimes. i have a discharge and it`s white fluid like. could this be a bladder infection?