OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Managing an Inflamed Cyst in the Abdomen: Insights on My Ultrasound Results

7/9/2025, 5:40:29 PMMale25-34

Hello everyone, I'm a 29-year-old woman, standing at 5 feet 7 inches and weighing 190 pounds. About a week ago, I began experiencing sharp abdominal pain alongside noticing a lump in my stomach. Since then, I’ve dealt with persistent bloating and a dull discomfort that worsens when I apply pressure to my abdomen or bend down. Additionally, I’ve been feeling unusually fatigued and my appetite has notably decreased. Recently, I sought care at an urgent care facility where I underwent an ultrasound. I just received the results. The ultrasound report indicated the presence of a solid nodule with unclear borders, measuring 1.7 x 1.4 x 1.4 cm. It suggests that I could be dealing with an inflamed epidermoid inclusion cyst or an inflamed sebaceous cyst located on the anterior abdominal wall, which appears solid and hard. I'm curious about what I should anticipate moving forward. Should I expect ongoing discomfort until the cyst resolves itself? Are there specific exercises or activities I should be cautious about? I’ve also been feeling mild pain in my pelvic area and lower back, along with sharp sensations near my kidneys. Given my history of kidney infections, I'm well aware of that area’s nuances. I find myself wondering whether I'm overly sensitive to the sensations in my abdomen or if a second opinion might be warranted. While I understand that you can’t assess based on images, do you think it’s advisable to seek further evaluation, or do the ultrasound findings align with the diagnosis of a cyst as stated in the report?

LupusInternal MedicineRheumatology

Answers (1)

Cony

7/9/2025, 5:40:54 PM

OpenHealth AI

Based on your ultrasound findings and symptoms, it sounds like you might be dealing with an inflamed cyst, which can cause discomfort and other related symptoms. Here’s a structured response to help you navigate your situation:

Main Points:

  1. Understanding Your Cyst: The ultrasound suggests an inflamed cyst; while it’s often benign, it may cause discomfort.
  2. Monitoring Symptoms: It’s crucial to pay attention to how your symptoms evolve.
  3. Caution with Activities: Be mindful of activities that may aggravate your abdominal discomfort.

Explanation:

An inflamed cyst, whether it’s an epidermoid inclusion cyst or a sebaceous cyst, can cause sharp abdominal pain and bloating, especially if it’s pressing against surrounding tissues. You’re right to weigh your symptoms thoughtfully, especially since you have a history of kidney infections. The mild pain you're experiencing in the pelvic area and lower back could be related, but it’s important to monitor these sensations closely.

Next Steps:

  1. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed symptom diary, noting when the pain intensifies, any changes in appetite, or new symptoms. This can help you and your doctor understand your condition better.

  2. Manage Pain and Discomfort:

    • Avoid Pressure: Try to avoid activities that put pressure on your abdomen (like heavy lifting or certain exercises) until the discomfort lessens.
    • Heat Therapy: Applying a warm compress to the area may help alleviate some discomfort.
    • Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Consider using medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as directed on the package, to help with pain relief.
  3. Evaluate Activity Levels: Consider gentle movements or low-impact activities to avoid further irritation while staying active. Listen to your body; if you feel discomfort, stop that activity.

  4. Consider Further Evaluation: If your symptoms persist, worsen, or you feel particularly anxious about your condition, seeking a second opinion could provide peace of mind and further clarity. It’s always valid to pursue reassurance, especially with your previous health experiences.

  5. Hydrate and Eat Mindfully: Focus on staying hydrated and eating small, balanced meals to manage your appetite and overall well-being.

Please be attentive to any significant changes in your condition, such as increased pain, fever, or changes in bowel or urinary habits, and prioritize seeking care if these arise. Remember, you’re not alone in this, and it's perfectly reasonable to seek clarity as you navigate your health concerns.

Related Questions

[30M] Intermittent Crackling Noise from Chest Area

Hello everyone, I've been experiencing a crackling sound that occurs occasionally when I laugh heartily or cough. It seems to originate from my chest, but I'm not entirely sure if it might also be related to my throat. Interestingly, there’s no mucus or phlegm that surfaces when this happens. Despite my attempts, I can’t reproduce the sound by quickly exhaling or taking deep breaths. I don't struggle with wheezing or experience shortness of breath. There’s a persistent cough I’ve had since dealing with the flu last December, but I can recall having these sounds before that incident. Additionally, I suffered from asthma as a child, which I suspect could be a contributing factor. I'm planning to schedule an appointment with my primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation, ideally including an X-ray. Meanwhile, I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights you might have. Thank you in advance!

AsthmaCOPDInternal Medicine
Male25-34
1 minute ago

Understanding Post-Surgical Pain After Ganglion Cyst Removal

I’m 17 years old (female, though I prefer He/him pronouns) and I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) along with Dysautonomia. Currently, I’m not taking any medications that might impact my situation apart from an SNRI and birth control to manage cramping. Around a month ago, I underwent surgery to remove a ganglion cyst located on my dominant wrist (the right one). This cyst had been present for roughly three years, and despite my doctor attempting to aspirate it, the procedure was unsuccessful due to its firmness, leading to surgical intervention. This cyst significantly limited my wrist mobility. Now, after approximately four weeks post-surgery, I can say that my wrist is mostly improved. The scar is healing fairly well, and I’ve regained about half of my wrist’s mobility compared to the left one. Yet, I still experience significant pain when I move or apply pressure on the area that housed the cyst. Is this pain considered normal? Additionally, my fingers are in constant discomfort, and my wrist seems to dislocate frequently. Due to my EDS, I am accustomed to joint pain and dislocations, but this particular pain feels more severe than what I usually endure. When I brought this up with my surgeon, he dismissed my concerns, stating that such dislocations are common for individuals my age. However, I experience dislocations at least twice daily, and the process of resetting them creates such a loud sound that I've been asked to leave classes to avoid disturbing others. Is this normal? Could it be related to the cyst? Moreover, about four days ago, I noticed a small lump forming on my wrist just above the surgical area. When I consulted my doctor about it, he informed me that it was a benign fatty tumor and assured me it wasn't a serious issue. However, I've never encountered anything like this before, and while the lump is not painful, soft, and relatively small, I’m puzzled about its sudden appearance. Why did this occur, and what could explain my doctor’s nonchalant attitude towards my symptoms? I understand that experiencing pain and limited mobility after surgery is not unusual, but given my doctor’s dismissive approach towards my concerns, I felt compelled to seek insight here as well. He often seems skeptical about the symptoms I report, making it difficult for me to fully trust his evaluations.

ArthritisLupusRheumatology
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Concerns About Changes in Partner's Semen Consistency

At 19 years old, I’m seeking some insights regarding a situation. My girlfriend, who is also 19, has experienced a noteworthy change in her semen consistency during our intimate encounters over the last two to three weeks. To provide some background, she stands at 5 feet 5.5 inches tall and weighs approximately 130 pounds. Her ethnicity is Caucasian, and she is from Canada. Historically, my girlfriend has been in good health without any significant medical conditions. Currently, she is not taking any medications. Previously, she had a history of frequent vaping, but that was about a year ago, and now she limits it to occasional use. The change in her semen is quite striking; it appears very thick, white, and somewhat chunky, rather than being mostly liquid. There are some liquid components, but the thick texture predominates. Throughout this period, she has maintained her regular diet, and importantly, there are no signs of a urinary tract infection or sexually transmitted disease. Neither does she experience any pain or unusual odors. This alteration has raised some concerns for her, and while I am trying to be supportive, I am uncertain about the potential causes. We searched online for explanations, but the reactions we found mostly related to digital sources that discussed various infections or medical conditions, none of which seemed to match her symptoms. Does anyone have insights or similar experiences regarding this matter? It would be appreciated in easing her worries and determining the best course of action.

ArthritisEndocrinologyRheumatology
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Seeking Answers: Unexplained Symptoms

Profile Information: - **Age**: 15 - **Gender**: Female - **Height**: 5'3 - **Ethnicity**: Caucasian **Medication Regimen**: - Lisdexamfetamine: 40 mg daily - Famotidine: 20 mg, twice daily - Cetirizine: 40 mg daily I have been experiencing persistent pain for as long as I can recall, even before I started taking any medication, so I am skeptical about the drugs affecting my condition. Below is a compilation of my symptoms that I can remember offhand. My family has been advised on multiple occasions to consider testing for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) due to the alignment of my symptoms with the condition. My latest physician conducted laboratory tests to evaluate my tryptase levels without an initial baseline measurement. This was taken roughly 1.5 hours post-flare-up, which came back low. Consequently, she concluded that I do not have MCAS, but after researching further, I found that low levels do not definitively rule it out. I am reaching out for guidance—can anyone assist me in understanding my situation? **Presented Symptoms**: - Persistent hives - Facial flushing - Cognitive fog - Recurring headaches - Abdominal discomfort - Irregular bowel movements (ranging from diarrhea to constipation) - Anxiety attacks - Low blood pressure - Episodes of dizziness - Rapid heartbeat - Chronic fatigue - Episodes of fever - Severe joint pain - Night sweats - Bloating - Elevated sensitivity to sunlight - Intolerance to heat I frequently experience multiple symptoms together during flare-ups, with at least one flare occurring daily. The hives tend to emerge 1 to 3 times each day, primarily triggered by sun exposure and heightened emotional states, although at times they arise with no apparent cause. These flare-ups can occur abruptly, lasting anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours.

ArthritisLupusFibromyalgia
Male25-34
2 hours ago

Three Weeks Post Gallbladder Surgery - Is It Infected?

Patient Profile: - Age: 35 - Gender: Female - Height: 5 feet 4 inches - Weight: 160 pounds - Ethnicity: Asian Issue Duration: 3 weeks Location: United States Relevant Medical History: Approximately three weeks ago, I underwent gallbladder removal surgery. Recently, I have observed a slight amount of cloudy fluid emerging from the surgical site over the past few days. Just moments ago, I noticed a possible pus discharge from the incision. While there is no significant pain, I do feel mild soreness when shifting my position. I have not experienced any fever or chills, and there is no unpleasant odor coming from the wound. Should I continue to clean the area with soap and water, or would it be prudent to seek immediate medical attention at the ER for a professional evaluation?

Internal MedicineEndocrinologyRheumatology
Male25-34
2 hours ago