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What is a Pelvic Mass?

Nat Robinson
Nat Robinson

A pelvic mass is an enlargement or swelling in the lower abdomen or pelvic region. Some people may be able to feel a pelvic mass, however, most are discovered during routine physical examinations. Masses can cause pelvic inflammation and the swelling may trigger other symptoms in the body, which may alert the individual that something is wrong. Masses in the pelvis can signify the presence of a benign or malignant condition. For this reason, it is important to have any mass evaluated by a medical professional.

In women, a mass can indicate an abnormal growth on or within a female reproductive organ. The growth can be as simple as a benign cyst or as serious as a malignant tumor. Masses in the pelvic region of a woman can potentially damage the surrounding reproductive organs by preventing them from functioning properly. For instance, one can impact inner pelvic structures such as the uterus and the ovaries. Uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts are examples of masses in the female reproductive system.

An enlargement or swelling in the lower abdomen region may be a pelvic mass.
An enlargement or swelling in the lower abdomen region may be a pelvic mass.

Pelvic inflammatory disease can be another cause of swelling in the pelvic region in women. This condition refers to an infection of the female reproductive organs. The infection can spread throughout all of the organs, including the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. It can cause great complications, including severe pelvic pain, obstructed tubes and in some cases infertility.

Most pelvic masses are identified during routine medical evaluations.
Most pelvic masses are identified during routine medical evaluations.

In both males and females, a mass may involve abnormalities in other organs in the lower abdominal region. Commonly, a gastrointestinal disorder can cause pelvic masses in both genders. An obstruction or inflammation in the bowels, infection and fluid retention in the pelvis are some common reasons that a mass may develop. For this reason, a male with a pelvic mass or women with a mass that is not of a gynecologic cause, may consult with a gastroenterologist, who specializes in disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, to investigate the origination of the mass. In many cases there are no overwhelming symptoms of this condition, however, some people may experience abdominal pain, pelvic tenderness and swelling.

If a pelvic mass is found, a doctor order medical tests ranging from blood tests to an MRI.
If a pelvic mass is found, a doctor order medical tests ranging from blood tests to an MRI.

If a doctor finds a pelvic mass during an examination, medical tests will be ordered to further investigate the issue. This will typically include blood tests and a number of diagnostic tests to get a detailed view of the inner structures of the pelvic region. Commonly, a computerized tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be ordered for diagnostic imaging. It is important to get a mass evaluated, as it could be cancerous or could eventually turn cancerous. Getting prompt medical attention could prevent a benign mass from becoming malignant.

Discussion Comments

anon1005588

I need your assistance. My doctor told me I have a pelvic mass in the right lower quadrant with 10cm. Can it affect me getting pregnant?

anon1002399

This has been going on 18months. In June 2018 I woke with pain on my right side and went to A&E. They suspected it was my appendix, so they sent me for a CT scan and it showed a cluster of pus or water on my Fallopian tube. They said it was more likely I had chlamydia, so they sent me packing with antibiotics and said if the pain gets worse they will take the tube out. In those three weeks I made my husband's life hell, thinking he had passed an STD on to me.

The results came back saying I had bacterial vaginosis, but the pain came back after three weeks, so I went to the doctors and said can I have it taken out and she arranged an appointment. I went to the appointment to arrange a laparoscopy. I signed all these form giving my consent, but when I got back home, it preyed on my mind so I booked an appointment with my doctor.

I told her I was having a laparoscopy to have my tube out and she informed me I was down for a hysterectomy. I said no, but she said “You're 50. You don't need them.” I said I don't need HRT either, so we agreed to cancel the procedure so I can have another CT scan. So I agreed to just having the tube out. The doctor's office called me this week and said the CT scan picked up a mass of fluid in my pelvis and now I've got to go for an ultrasound and more blood tests.

Like I said, this has been going on for 18 months and I've been back and forth with the doctors because I've not felt well for this time. I have no energy and I'm always having constant pain on my right side, but I'm getting deep pain on my left side now, and also feel out of breath and tired.

anon983812

@ elizabeth23: There is a lot to consider, when thinking of a hysterectomy, besides whether you might not want to have children. Having a hysterectomy at such an early age, even if it is due to "tiny cysts" caused by endometriosis shouldn't be the first choice for any woman or doctor.

Having a hysterectomy, can result in complications, later in life and can bring much more serious problems than what you are dealing with now.

When dealing with endometriosis, there are other options. I would suggest seeing a gynecologist who specializes in endometriosis who might be able to give you other options besides resulting in a hysterectomy. Wishing you the best of luck, no matter what your decision is, but I do hope you will consider other options, or at least try them before deciding that a hysterectomy is your only option.

anon933848

I have a very large cyst on my ovary. It is 6 inches. Nobody is in a hurry to get it out. I am 70 years old. I don't need my ovaries, tubes or uterus. Why won't they get rid of it all ? I guess at my age I should just die.

anon318537

I went to the doctor because I thought I had a urine infection- wanting to pass urine often and lower back ache. While I was discussing this, I went on to explain that even though I have always suffered from constipation, something had recently changed and now I was struggling to go every two or three weeks without taking something to help me. Plus, I had pelvic tenderness. The doctor took bloods, the CA125. Within three days, the doctor called me to tell me that test was raised-82 and that she was referring me to a gynecologist. I was seen that week on the Friday.

Since then, I have had an ultrasound scan and a vaginal one. The doctor rang me the same day to say that he had requested an MRI as one of my ovaries was showing changes! I am now waiting for MRI results.

It's been three weeks from start of this up to now, but why would he have requested an MRI scan of my pelvic region? Am I jumping to conclusions that he thinks I have cancer? --Kerry

anon314023

My name is Jeannie and last Wednesday, my gyno doctor told me they found a mass on my pelvis. Earlier today, this morning, I had a CT scan with contrast, oral contrast, and by IV through my veins. The radiologist also took extra pictures, so I'm sure there was more found, etc. I will know in a day or two if I have cancer, and what type.

I am not in the least bit afraid. I don't even have tears to shed. I have peace,no matter what the outcome is. I have been through a lot, so not only have I been a fighter, but I have the victory through my Lord Jesus Christ! Even if I die, to die is to gain! I am still a winner!

Blessings and prayers to anyone out there fighting a deadly disease. I have more things I'm dealing with physically, so it's been a tough fight. We will see how this goes, but Jesus is with me along each journey. His plan will be what he has in store for me! I am a daughter of the King,and I am not mad at him. Prayers for you all too. Much love! Jesus loves you!

anon296337

I am a little worried, because when I went to the restroom just now, I saw the triangle zone above my vagina is extremely swollen and I feel like it happened instantly because I didn't notice anything yesterday or earlier in the day. What could it be, and could it be dangerous?

I am under the age of 20 and I had an abortion last year. I am really worried that I could have problems having kids or something in the future. Please, any advice or knowledge would be helpful.

vogueknit17

@elizabeth23, I know a woman who had a large part of her uterus removed when she was 19. However, she had been having a lot of problems for years. From the story she told me, she was also at the point where her doctor thought she might die of the masses on her pelvic area grew anymore, probably because they might burst, and he had to fight hard to get her insurance to cover it.

elizabeth23

For a woman in my mid 20s, it is so hard to get doctors' attention about anything wrong with my pelvis. I have several tiny cysts, the result of endometriosis. Eventually I might need it all removed, but I cannot convince a doctor to just remove my uterus now and stop a continued problem, because I haven't had children yet. The idea I might not want children does not enter into doctors' heads.

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    • An enlargement or swelling in the lower abdomen region may be a pelvic mass.
      By: auremar
      An enlargement or swelling in the lower abdomen region may be a pelvic mass.
    • Most pelvic masses are identified during routine medical evaluations.
      By: michaeljung
      Most pelvic masses are identified during routine medical evaluations.
    • If a pelvic mass is found, a doctor order medical tests ranging from blood tests to an MRI.
      By: Tim UR
      If a pelvic mass is found, a doctor order medical tests ranging from blood tests to an MRI.
    • If a mass is found, a CT scan may be ordered to further assess the abnormality.
      By: Tyler Olson
      If a mass is found, a CT scan may be ordered to further assess the abnormality.
    • Ovarian cysts are a type of pelvic mass.
      By: joshya
      Ovarian cysts are a type of pelvic mass.
    • Uterine fibroids are an example of a pelvic mass found in a woman's reproductive system.
      By: rob3000
      Uterine fibroids are an example of a pelvic mass found in a woman's reproductive system.
    • Uterine fibroids, which are an example of a pelvic mass, may cause excessive menstrual bleeding.
      By: Vlad Ivantcov
      Uterine fibroids, which are an example of a pelvic mass, may cause excessive menstrual bleeding.
    • Pelvic inflammatory disease can be a cause of swelling in the pelvic region in women.
      By: joshya
      Pelvic inflammatory disease can be a cause of swelling in the pelvic region in women.