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What Causes An Enlarged Area At The Bottom Of Ribcage?
Question: Hi! Am a 65 yr. old FEMALE ...
Left side, just under LEFT BREAST , at bottom of rib cage...enlarged area about size of closed fist...
Have had numerous abdominal surgeries, colostomies (moved 3x) S/P tube...infection that opened up
it's own path to discharge infection pus (a hole in surgical line) ...
Is it the spleen?
Left side, just under LEFT BREAST , at bottom of rib cage...enlarged area about size of closed fist...
Have had numerous abdominal surgeries, colostomies (moved 3x) S/P tube...infection that opened up
it's own path to discharge infection pus (a hole in surgical line) ...
Is it the spleen?
Brief Answer:
Spleenic mass unlikely.
Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Thanks for giving an opportunity to address your query.
Anatomically spleen is located below the muscle layer, laterally resting on the superior surface of the stomach.Many a times it is palpable only if its enlarged.
I were to suspect/rule out local collection of pus if the swelling is soft or semi soft in nature and suspect a spleenic mass only if its firm in its consistency.Hope this answers your query.
Hope this answers your query.
Spleenic mass unlikely.
Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Thanks for giving an opportunity to address your query.
Anatomically spleen is located below the muscle layer, laterally resting on the superior surface of the stomach.Many a times it is palpable only if its enlarged.
I were to suspect/rule out local collection of pus if the swelling is soft or semi soft in nature and suspect a spleenic mass only if its firm in its consistency.Hope this answers your query.
Hope this answers your query.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Hi!
Okay, whatever it is, it's enlarged ... it is soft, no firmness...you can see
the bulge in the mirror. Last surgery, in XXXXXXX was 01 April 2014 ...
infected mesh was removed ... porcine was used instead of mesh...where
the hole (pus oozing out - required cleaning, & bandaging daily) was
gone, along w/ my belly button). Thought this surgery went well, don't
know why I think it's the pus, once again collecting...there are no surgical
scars in the area. Just don't want pus anywhere around my heart area.
So, let's say it's the spleen...is this an urgent situation, where one rushes
off to the Hospital Emergency Room. There was no INJURY to the spleen,
didn't bump into anything ...
Hate to call my surgeons in XXXXXXX their colon & rectal surgeons, top in
the field ... plus it's a 3hr. drive each way from San XXXXXXX
Thank you for your time,
XXXX
Okay, whatever it is, it's enlarged ... it is soft, no firmness...you can see
the bulge in the mirror. Last surgery, in XXXXXXX was 01 April 2014 ...
infected mesh was removed ... porcine was used instead of mesh...where
the hole (pus oozing out - required cleaning, & bandaging daily) was
gone, along w/ my belly button). Thought this surgery went well, don't
know why I think it's the pus, once again collecting...there are no surgical
scars in the area. Just don't want pus anywhere around my heart area.
So, let's say it's the spleen...is this an urgent situation, where one rushes
off to the Hospital Emergency Room. There was no INJURY to the spleen,
didn't bump into anything ...
Hate to call my surgeons in XXXXXXX their colon & rectal surgeons, top in
the field ... plus it's a 3hr. drive each way from San XXXXXXX
Thank you for your time,
XXXX
Brief Answer:
Evaluate within a day or 2
Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Thanks for writing me back.
Do you have fever?Do you feel tired?Any other complaints?
If the swelling is long standing it needs to be drained though not immediately but yes before the infection enters the blood.
Heart is located in the middle of chest(mediastinum) and protected well.Chances of spreading of pus is least likely.
In the absence of injury to the spleen spleenic enlargement doesnot necessitate you to hurry your doctors.
However I were to evaluate as early as possible(within a day or 2 maximum) to know the cause.Hope this answers your query.
Evaluate within a day or 2
Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Thanks for writing me back.
Do you have fever?Do you feel tired?Any other complaints?
If the swelling is long standing it needs to be drained though not immediately but yes before the infection enters the blood.
Heart is located in the middle of chest(mediastinum) and protected well.Chances of spreading of pus is least likely.
In the absence of injury to the spleen spleenic enlargement doesnot necessitate you to hurry your doctors.
However I were to evaluate as early as possible(within a day or 2 maximum) to know the cause.Hope this answers your query.
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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