Discovering a Lump in My Abdomen: Is It My Kidney?
Profile: Female, 57 kg, 164 cm tall, non-smoker, social drinker, Caucasian. Medication: Taking Omeprazole daily. Health conditions: Coeliac disease, asthma, biliary colic, nephrocalcinosis. Hello, everyone, Last week, while I was standing, I noticed a firm lump on the right side of my abdomen, just beneath my ribs. It's approximately the size of a grape and can only be felt when I am in an upright position; lying down seems to make it disappear. Concerned, I visited my general practitioner. Although he was unable to palpate the lump, he referred me for an abdominal wall ultrasound. During the ultrasound, the technician could initially not locate the lump; however, when I stood up, they identified it under the probe and confirmed that it was my kidney. The technician stated that the kidney was directly beneath where I was feeling the lump. Now, the area has become tender from my persistent probing. This situation leads me to wonder: Is it normal to feel my kidney this way? I thought kidneys were positioned toward the back of the body. I’m feeling anxious about the possibility of having a tumor or another issue that isn’t being recognized. My previous kidney ultrasound was normal, revealing no lumps or abnormalities, which adds to my confusion and worry. What steps should I take from here? Any insight would be greatly appreciated!
Answers (1)
3/29/2025, 1:20:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel anxious about discovering a lump in your abdomen, especially given your background. Based on your description, it seems likely that what you're feeling is the lower part of your kidney, which can sometimes be palpable in certain body types or positions. Below is a structured response to help clarify your situation and outline some next steps.
Main Points
- Palpable Kidneys: It's not typical, but some individuals may be able to feel their kidneys, especially if they have a slimmer build and/or if the abdominal muscles are relaxed.
- Tenderness and Probing: Tenderness can arise from excessive probing or irritation of the area, especially after feeling around for the lump.
- Next Steps for Clarity: While the ultrasound didn't show immediate concerns, further follow-up may be needed if you have ongoing symptoms or concerns.
Explanation
The kidneys are typically located toward your back and are protected by the rib cage. However, depending on individual anatomy, body composition, and position, some may find their kidney can be felt during certain movements or positions. The tenderness you’re experiencing could be due to irritation from pressing on the area rather than a specific pathology related to the kidney itself.
Given your history of nephrocalcinosis, monitoring your kidney health is important, but it sounds like your previous ultrasound didn’t reveal any issues. It’s good to get a second opinion or further test if you continue to feel anxious or notice changes.
Actionable Next Steps
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Limit Probing: Give the area some time to settle down by avoiding additional probing or pressing on the lump, as this may help reduce tenderness.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in symptoms, like pain scale, changes in urination, or the appearance of new symptoms. This diary may be helpful for follow-up discussions.
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Follow-Up: Once you have your ultrasound results, schedule a follow-up with your doctor to discuss findings and clarify any remaining concerns. If tenderness persists or worsens, mention this during your follow-up.
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Stay Informed: If anxiety persists, consider discussing your feelings and any risks you perceive with a mental health professional or a support group for patients with chronic health conditions.
Reassurance
It's natural to feel worried when you notice something unusual about your body, but the steps you've taken by consulting with a healthcare professional are the right approach. Focus on the recommended next steps, and please remember that it’s okay to reach out for support when you need it.
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