Tumours in the abdomen

Tumours are generally classified according to their cell type and malignancy. Many tumours are caused by glandular tissue, which also occurs in many places in the abdominal cavity. If they are malignant, they are called carcinomas.

Benign gland tumours are called adenomas. Malignant tumours from muscle cells or connective tissue are called sarcomas. Both benign and malignant tumours can develop in all abdominal organs and between them.

The classic stomach carcinoma originates from the mucous membrane cells of the stomach and can be caused by an infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Benign protrusions of the mucous membrane, so-called polyps, can also occur in the stomach. The liver can also be affected by carcinomas.

These usually develop as a result of a change in the structure of the liver due to infection or high alcohol consumption. The pancreas is also a place of origin for carcinomas, which are often discovered late. One of the most widespread cancers in Germany is colon cancer.

It often affects the rectum and can be detected early by regular screening. Colon polyps are also very common. In addition to the so-called primary tumours, metastases from other organs can also spread into the abdomen.

Both carcinomas and all other tumours can also affect the peritoneum and other structures between the organs. By definition, kidney tumours do not count as peritoneal tumours because the kidneys are located behind the peritoneum, in technical terminology retroperitoneally. Benign abdominal tumours can also become dangerous if they constrict other structures.

This is conceivable in the pancreas, for example, since a benign tumour can prevent the outflow of digestive juices. Masses in the abdominal cavity are therefore always worth observing and often require treatment. Daughter tumours (medically called metastases) can be found anywhere in the abdomen.

Many tumours of the abdominal organs metastasise via the bloodstream into the liver. This is because the venous blood from the digestive organs flows through the liver before it reaches the heart. Tumours can also spread via the lymph vessels, so that metastases can form in lymph nodes.

A distinction is made as to whether regional or tumour-free lymph nodes are affected. The regional lymph nodes are lymph drainage stations of the affected organ and are also removed during surgical treatment of the tumour. A lipoma is a benign tumour which develops from fatty tissue.

This tumour can occur in any size and is normally clearly distinguishable and even movable in relation to surrounding structures. In the abdominal cavity there is the so-called omentum majus, an apron of fatty tissue that protects the abdominal organs. Lipomas can emerge from this apron.

There are also small fat appendages on the large intestine, which can increase unnaturally in size. A lipoma as such is no danger and there is no need for treatment. However, as soon as the lipoma constricts other structures in the abdominal cavity, surgical removal must be considered.

This may be necessary if there is pressure on vessels or nerves or even on the intestine. In the case of a fast-growing lipoma or an unusual size, as well as if it cannot be separated from the tissue, further diagnostics, for example a computer tomography, should be carried out to rule out a malignant liposarcoma. Lipomas in the abdominal cavity are relatively rare.

Most lipomas are located in the subcutaneous fatty tissue of the arms and legs. A lymphoma is a malignant new formation which develops from lymphatic cells. These can be cells of the bone marrow, spleen or other immune defence organs.

Lymphoma cells can settle with the blood in the whole body and thus also in the abdominal cavity. Primary lymphomas can develop in the abdominal cavity, for example in the spleen or in certain areas of the intestine. The prognosis of lymphomas depends on many different factors, including age, stage of the disease and type of lymphoma.