Lump in Left Lower Abdomen for over 8 years

First, I have no insurance, which is why i am posting here. here is my situation:

I have had an abdominal lump in my lower left abdomen for over 8 years (since before july 2000). I'm a 35 yo female. It is between an inch and three inches long.  It is roundish and  It is sometimes very hard like rock (sometimes feels like more than one) then it is sometimes soft and squishy, maybe even watery, but it is always there. It IS movable. Sometimes when I press on it it feels like i have to go to the bathroom. i compare it to either a grape or small sausage. I always have pain, shortness of breath, constipation, etc EVERYDAY for more than eight years. I am thinking it could be lymphoma or colon cancer. I also have allergies to many many foods and all pollens but i'm not sure if that would cause a lump.  In June of 1999 a doctor felt a hard lymph node there and they sent me to have a biopsy but I think they biopsied the wrong area. I have never had a scan.  This pain feels like a bruising or burning pain. I also have dark sticky stools that stick to the toilet although i've never seen blood and they are not black stools.  

Also, In 1998 i had a late term abortion. i felt like they punctured something because my lower left side was constantly gurgling after the surgery. Even though  i had follow up pap tests and was checked, could they miss scar tissue? could that cause a lump like i am describing?  

Now for the last week i've been feeling nauseaus with watery diarrhea and exhaustion. My grandfather died of colon cancer years ago and I don't want to be next! Please help!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I would image the lump to further evaluate it.  

An ultrasound and/or CT scan can be considered.  This would determine whether it is a skin lesion, or something deeper.

After imaging, the decision can be made whether to remove the lump, biopsy it, or simply observe,  

I would discuss this possibility with your personal physician.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com

[mooney321]

I forgot to mention that when I lay on my back the left side of my abdomen is higher than my right.

[mooney321]

I understand that the lump needs to be evaluated...that is common sense! It is not a skin lesion, it is deeper. The reason I am on this message board is because I don't have insurance and I dont have a personal physician. I want to know the possibilities and what this COULD be and what it likely is NOT since it has been there so long.

-thanks

[mooney321]

A related discussion, didn't answer my questions was started.