What Does A Lump Protruding Above The Stomach Indicate?

Posted on Tue, 24 Jun 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 24 Jun 2014 Answered on

Mon, 14 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I've got a pot belly. When I lay down on my back on bed I noticed that the the middle of my stomach about my belly button up to just below my rib cage seems to have a soft lump that protrudes above the rest of my stomach. I feel no pain when I press down on it. When I sit down or stand up it isn't obvious. Is it a hernia? I've done nothing that I know off to pull a stomach muscle or anything?

Answered by Dr. Ashish Verma (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
could be hernia

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome to HealthcareMagic.

That lump that is protruding above the rest of your stomach could either be a hernia or a lipoma.

But to differentiate between the two, a clinical evaluation is a must.

So i would suggest that you show it to a surgeon to help reach a diagnosis for further management.

Hernia in an obese individual can arise even without a history of acute or chronic straining. As due to excessive fat deposition the abdominal muscles become weak as the fibers seperate due to fat in between them, leading to hernia.

Hope i have been helpful.

Regards,
Dr. Ashish Verma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar