Abdominal Masses Flashcards
what is an abdominal mass
abnormal growth in abdomen
signs of abdominal mass
visible swelling and may change the shape of abdomen abdominal tenderness abdominal pain (may radiate to back)
how are abdominal masses described
their location or the 6 F's; fat faeces flatus foetus fluid fatal growth
history of abdominal mass
size
abdominal tenderness
duration
associated symptoms of abdominal mass
jaundice operations vomiting urinary symptoms altered bowel habit weight loss anorexia blood loss gynaecological symptoms
past medical history red flags for abdominal masses
previous operations diabetes hypertension heart and lung disease medications allergies
important social history for abdominal masses
smoking
alcohol
fitness for surgery
important family history for abdominal masses
cancer
symptoms of abdominal masses
anaemia
cyanosis
jaundice
lymph nodes
imaging tests for abdominal masses
CXR
AXR
ultrasound
CT !!
findings on CXR for abdominal masses
erect
free air under diaphragm
lung metastases
findings on AXR for abdominal masses
supine
dilated small bowel loops
dilated large bowel loops
calcification of aorta
findings on CT for abdominal masses
delineates mass and anatomy
biopsy
tests for abdominal masses
sigmoidoscopy/colonscopy/ upper GI endscope +/- biopsy
ERCP
laparoscopy +/- biopsy
