A mass in the stomach can be caused by cancer, infection, inflammation, or other conditions. The type of treatment you need will depend on the underlying cause and the size of the mass. A noncancerous mass may be treated with radiation therapy to shrink it, or surgery can be used to remove the mass. If a person has cancer, the stomach mass may grow deeper into the stomach wall and spread to other parts of the body. This is called metastasis.
A doctor can find a stomach mass by performing a physical examination and doing medical tests. During the physical exam, the doctor will press on various areas of the abdomen to feel for tenderness. The doctor will also ask when the symptoms started and how they have gotten worse.
X-rays and ultrasounds of the abdominal area can help doctors see a stomach mass. The X-rays and ultrasounds can also show how much fluid is in the tummy. If the amount of fluid is high, a condition called ascites may be to blame. Ascites is a buildup of fluid that causes the skin in the belly to swell and stretch tightly. It can put pressure on the stomach and lungs, which can lead to other health problems.
If the doctor isn’t sure what’s causing the fluid buildup, they may need to do more tests. They will probably take a sample of the fluid from the tummy to test for certain cancer cells and other things that can cause ascites. They may also do blood tests, such as a complete blood count and a fecal occult blood test. These tests check for hidden blood in the feces that could be caused by a tumor or other mass.
In some cases, a stomach mass might be discovered accidentally during a routine medical test or procedure. For example, an ultrasound of the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine might be done to check for a hernia. If the ultrasound shows a mass in the stomach, it might be related to a gallbladder problem or something else.
A person can reduce the chance of getting a stomach mass by watching what they eat, eating slowly, and staying well hydrated. They can also try to get regular exercise and relax to avoid stress. If a person is having trouble managing their GI symptoms, they can talk to a gastroenterologist or a nutritionist. This can help them develop a healthy diet and plan meals that work for their unique needs.
