Abdominal swelling or distension – colloquially called abdominal circumference increase – (synonyms: abdominal swelling; abdominal distension; ICD-10-GM R19.0: swelling, distension, and nodules in the abdomen and pelvis) is usually associated with swelling of the abdomen beyond its usual size.
On palpation (palpation) from ventral (“pertaining to the abdomen”), the hepatic rim and aorta are usually palpable. Not usually palpable are:
- Stomach
- Intestine (sometimes as a “roller”)
- Gall bladder (if palpable + icterus (jaundice) = Courvoisier sign).
- Pancreas (pancreas) (occasionally pseudocysts/fluid-filled chambers in the area of the pancreas).
- Spleen (always try!)
- Kidneys (occasionally palpable in children or in large cysts).
- Urinary bladder (most common “palpable resistance” in the lower abdomen).
- Uterus (uterus)/ovaries (ovaries) (occasionally large uterus myomatosus; pregnancy) or prostate.
Abdominal swelling or space or lump in the abdomen can be a symptom of many diseases (see under “Differential diagnoses”). In addition to the most common cause, overweight or obesity, more serious, serious diseases such as a tumor in the abdomen or hepatomegaly (liver swelling) can also be the cause of abdominal swelling.
Course and prognosis: If the swelling does not go down after a few days or even increases further, a doctor should definitely be consulted. Likewise, if the abdomen is tender to touch or there are accompanying symptoms such as loss of appetite, vomiting (vomiting), or diarrhea (diarrhea).
