A hard mass is palpable in the right lower abdomen, tender upon pressure, and mobile.
A hard lump in the lower right abdomen that is painful upon pressure and slightly movable may be caused by either physiological or pathological factors, such as lipoma or appendicitis. Appropriate management should be based on the specific cause, with detailed analysis as follows:
I. Physiological Factors
If daily physical activity is limited, metabolic rate slows down, intestinal motility weakens, and intestinal contents accumulate without being timely expelled from the body, this symptom may occur. It is recommended to perform circular abdominal massage to promote bowel movements.
II. Pathological Factors
1. Lipoma
If the right abdominal area has suffered trauma or prolonged inflammatory stimulation, local soft tissue degeneration may occur, affecting fat metabolism and leading to abnormal proliferation of fat cells and other cells, resulting in the aforementioned condition. Lipomas usually grow slowly and often require no special treatment. However, if the lipoma begins to compress surrounding tissues, medical attention is advised, and surgical removal may be necessary.
2. Appendicitis
The appendix is a blind-ended structure. If gastrointestinal motility is impaired, blockage within the appendix lumen may occur, increasing internal pressure and triggering an inflammatory response, leading to appendicitis. Persistent stimulation by inflammatory factors on surrounding tissues results in this phenomenon. Treatment options include laparoscopic appendectomy or open appendectomy.
In addition, conditions such as peri-appendiceal abscess, Crohn's disease, or intestinal tumors may also cause similar symptoms. If this condition persists without improvement, prompt medical evaluation is recommended.