OpenHealth Q&A

Concerns About Lower Left Abdominal Mass and Other Symptoms

I have a gynecological appointment scheduled for the 15th to discuss my symptoms, and I'm seeking insight on what could be happening. Specifically, I'm curious about how concerned I should be regarding my situation. The mass I’ve noticed is situated to the left of where my ovary is located, positioned nearly against the pelvic wall. Could this potentially be indicative of an ovarian cyst? Additionally, should I take care when moving about until my appointment? Describing the sensation is challenging. It began three weeks ago as an internal presence, almost like a small weight of around 1-2 inches in that area, which does not shift at all. It’s important to note that this is also the same location where bowel movements pass through the intestines. The constant feeling of heaviness so low and left inside my abdomen feels as if something is lodged there. While there's no pain most of the time, I do feel some tenderness when I cough, and bending my left knee while lying down produces discomfort along my left flank. In the last fortnight, I’ve encountered a peculiar situation when eating; I feel a sense of fullness despite still being very hungry, as though I cannot consume more food even though I want to. Furthermore, I have been grappling with an escalating sense of urinary urgency since late summer, which is becoming increasingly bothersome. I can only endure about 1.5 hours without the urge to relieve myself, even when I limit my liquid intake. Simple activities like sitting down or standing up, or even leaning forward, make it extremely challenging to hold my bladder. Just yesterday, an embarrassing incident occurred where I lost control and ended up wetting myself as I bent to sit down, causing a mess on my clothes and floor. Additionally, two days ago, I began to feel mild, dull discomfort in my lower back without any clear cause; it doesn’t seem to relate to any movement. Initially, my health provider referred me to pelvic therapy without an examination for the urgency issue, advising me to focus on relaxing and strengthening the pelvic muscles. However, based on my recent experiences, I suspect there may be a more significant underlying issue that's worsening. The right side of my lower abdomen feels entirely normal, whereas the left side continuously presents this sensation of something heavy and immobile, which seems to interfere with my digestive activity there. Compounding my concerns, my mother had isolated pelvic lymphoma around my age and I have gene mutations associated with Waldenstrom's—a condition she developed later in life. She has expressed alarm, saying the symptoms I'm experiencing now closely mirror those she had when diagnosed with pelvic lymphoma years ago. I'd be grateful for any thoughts or insights regarding these symptoms. Could it possibly be related to intestinal problems? Is it feasible to get a hernia that low and on the far side of the abdomen? Perhaps naively, is there any chance this might resolve itself without intervention? To provide some context, I’m 5'4” tall, weigh about 112 pounds, do not smoke, and have taken a low dosage of atenolol for over ten years due to inherited inappropriate sinus tachycardia presumably stemming from the SA node. A moderately elevated ANA was noted in December, and tests for urinary tract infections conducted earlier this year returned negative results.

Answers (1)

7/4/2025, 11:01:44 AM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to feel concerned about your symptoms, especially with the significant changes you've described. The mass in your lower left abdomen, coupled with urinary urgency and discomfort, deserves careful attention and thorough evaluation, particularly since you have a family history of serious conditions.

Main Points:

1. Potential Causes of Symptoms: The mass could be related to an ovarian cyst, fibroid, or other gynecological issues. The urinary urgency may be connected to pressure on the bladder or pelvic organs.
2. Importance of Monitoring Symptoms: While waiting for your appointment, it's crucial to monitor symptoms for any changes.
3. Precautions to Take: Be mindful of how you move, especially to avoid worsening any potential underlying issue.

Explanation:

The mass you've noticed might be benign, such as an ovarian cyst, which is common and often resolves on its own. However, it can also indicate other issues like fibroids or abnormalities, especially given your family history of lymphoma. The heaviness and change in your bowel and urinary habits could suggest that the mass is putting pressure on surrounding organs. The dull back discomfort may be associated with the pelvic pressure as well.

Next Steps:

1. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in size of the mass, the nature of the fullness you feel, and any new symptoms that arise. Note specific times for urgency, as well as any discomfort experienced during movement.
2. Movement Caution: Move carefully, especially when bending or twisting, to avoid exacerbating any discomfort or strain in your abdomen.
3. Diet Adjustments: Consider small, frequent meals instead of larger ones. This may help with the feeling of fullness.
4. Hydration Management: While you’re experiencing urinary urgency, staying hydrated is important. If you're actively trying to manage urinary symptoms, prioritize water intake but avoid excessive fluids close to bedtime.
5. Prepare for Your Appointment: Write down all symptoms, including their timing, duration, and any other observations, to discuss with your healthcare provider. This will help them in making a more informed diagnosis.

It's good that you have an appointment on the 15th, as this will allow you to discuss your concerns comprehensively. Trust in your healthcare team to investigate further, as they can help identify the cause and provide appropriate treatment or reassurance. If any of your symptoms worsen significantly or new symptoms arise, consider seeking help earlier. Your health and comfort are the most important priorities right now.