Upper left quadrent lump

For the past couple of months I've noticed a small lump (about 1/2 inch diameter) on the upper left quadrent of my body ( apprx. 2in above and left of belly button). I feel no pain or discomfort but sometimes especially when I think about it or press on it, I feel a slight heaviness around this area. I am a 49 years old male with a clean history concerning health problems and no surgeries of any kind. I am overweight (6'11" - 110kg) and for the past year I have been going through very high levels of work/financial related stress. What would you think the cause of this lump be? (Splean, pangreas, etc. related?) What tests would I need to perform in order to detect any possible problems and what kind could they be?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Imaging the area would give a better idea of what the lump is.  

The spleen is in that area, and any enlargement may present as a lump.  A CT scan can help determine if this is the cause.  More superficial lesions like a lipoma or cyst can also present with a lump.  This would be seen also on the CT scan.  If it is the latter cause, a referral to a surgeon should be considered to evaluate the lump.

These options should be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

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

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[dinnah]

I have been experiencing on and off for sometime now a pain that is so excriaciating that I feel like I am going to die, in my upper left front side under my breast.  It used to only happen if I bent over or moved a certain way, now it is dull and always there.  I feel tired and light headed.  When the pain becomes unbearable it feels like something is coming out of my rib cage and when I apply pressure it feels like I move something back inside.  It is scarey that I am afraid to drive for the if that pain comes it is so bad that you can not even imagine.  After some research I am wondering if its my spleen.  My doctor said that he thinks my abdominal wall could be inflamed and gave me celebrex.  Help.