Abdominal Cavity Masses and Cancer
With the extensive use of routine computed tomography (CT), patients often find themselves with a newly diagnosed abdominal mass after a CT scan performed for another reason. General surgeons are often asked to manage these findings.
Definition of an Abdominal Cavity Mass
An abdominal cavity mass is a growth of tissue, benign or cancerous, that otherwise would not be present in a healthy individual.
Anatomy of Abdominal Cavity Masses
With so many different tissues in the abdomen, there are a myriad of different abdominal cavity tumors that can develop. Examples of abdominal cavity masses include liver masses, pancreatic masses, splenic masses, intestinal masses, and even adrenal masses. All of these masses can be either benign or malignant and all present different problems for the patient depending on their type, location, and size.
Causes of Abdominal Cavity Masses
While some tumors develop due to mutated DNA, other growths can be the result of parasites or even trauma. Although imaging and patient history can often give clues to the reason a tumor formed, the etiology is less important than the imaging characteristics.
Symptoms of Abdominal Cavity Masses
For most patients with an incidental finding after computed tomography (CT), they have no symptoms. For other patients they may experience weight loss, a change in stool patterns, vomiting, or anemia. Some masses secrete hormones that can have different symptoms as well. The patient’s symptoms depend entirely on the size and characteristics of the tumor.
Diagnosis of Abdominal Cavity Masses
Not surprisingly, as the rate of computed tomography (CT) continues to increase, so does the diagnosis of abdominal cavity masses although physical exam can also be suggestive. A colonoscopy or esophagogastroduodenoscopy can be diagnosticand occasionally therapeutic if the mass can be resected with an endoscope. A biopsy is usually necessary to determine if the mass if benign or malignant and the type of tissue it contains.
Prevention of Abdominal Cavity Masses
Prevention of cancer and tumors is not always possible with certain genetic abnormalities. However, eating a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables as well as minimizing animal products is always recommended.
Am I At Risk For Abdominal Cavity Masses?
Patients with a family history of abdominal cancer or tumors are at risk.
Treatment of Abdominal Cavity Masses
Treatment will depend on the type of mass, its location, and symptoms. For most tumors a biopsy is necessary. This can be a percutaneous, laparoscopic, or open procedure depending on the size and type of mass. Further treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation, embolization, surgical resection, or some combination of the above. The treatment plan will be determined by the oncologist, surgeon, and patient.
To learn more about treatment procedures for this condition please visit the following: Procedures We Do
Patients having an abdominal cavity mass is a serious situation that needs to be fixed as soon as possible. An abdominal cavity mass can have serious consequences which deserves the attention of an exquisite general surgeon. Exceptional surgeons like Dr. Jenna Kazil spend years training and treating abdominal cavity masses. Patients in need of abdominal cavity mass treatment on Florida’s West Coast should locate a good general surgeon who has the surgical skills necessary to perform these serious surgical operations for the benefit of their patients. Dr. J. Kazil is a skillful general surgeon who has developed an impressive track record of successful cases in operating on abdominal cavity masses. Dr. Kazil understands the important circumstances that drive the treatment with the accuracy and compassion that everyone expects from a fine general surgeon. Jenna Kazil, MD, FACS, RPVI is a leading surgical specialist working as a vascular and general surgeon seeing patients from South Sarasota to East Desoto and Hardee to North Hillsborough to West Manatee and Pinellas counties. Patients requiring an abdominal cavity mass operation should contact Dr. Kazil at the Florida Surgical Clinic located in Bradenton, FL today to schedule an appointment with a unique experienced physician that possesses a unique blend of expert skills and compassionate care.
