Symptoms · Belly wall
A belly lump that comes and goes
The short answer
A lump in the belly that appears when you stand, cough or strain and goes away when you lie down is usually a hernia: tissue pushing through a weak spot in the belly wall. The common places are the groin, the belly button, the middle of the belly above the navel, and old operation scars. A hernia does not heal by itself. See a doctor to plan treatment. Go to the emergency room if the lump becomes hard and painful and cannot be pushed back, especially with vomiting.
How patients describe it
- A bulge that appears when I cough
- A lump that goes in when I lie down
- A swelling at my old operation scar
- A heavy feeling where the lump is
- A lump that gets bigger by the end of the day
Go to the emergency room now if you have
- A lump that is hard, very painful, and cannot be pushed back
- Vomiting, or a swollen belly with no wind or stool
- Redness or a dark colour over the lump
- Fever with a painful lump
What can cause it
Groin hernia (inguinal or femoral)
A bulge in the groin that shows when you stand, cough or lift.
Next step: Examination; ultrasound if unclear.
Belly-button hernia (umbilical)
A bulge at or beside the navel that shows with straining.
Next step: Examination; see a surgeon to plan repair.
Hernia in the middle of the belly or at an old scar
A bulge above the navel, or at the scar of an earlier operation.
Next step: Examination and a scan; see a surgeon.
A muscle bulge or a fatty lump
A soft lump that does not change with coughing or lying down.
Next step: Examination; usually harmless.
What you can do now
- Avoid heavy lifting and straining
- Treat constipation and a long-lasting cough
- Note where the lump is and when it appears
- Do not push hard on a painful lump
- Book a clinic visit, and sooner if the lump is getting bigger or more painful
Tests your doctor may order
- Examination standing up and while coughing
- Ultrasound or a CT scan for larger or unclear bulges
When is surgery needed?
- A hernia is repaired by an operation, by keyhole or open surgery. Repair is advised when it causes symptoms.
- A small hernia with little or no trouble may be watched. Your surgeon will explain which applies to you.
Questions people ask
Will a hernia go away on its own?
No. A hernia is a weak spot in the belly wall, and it does not close by itself.
Which kind of hernia do I have?
The place tells you: groin, belly button, middle of the belly, or an old scar. Each has its own page and guide, and a doctor confirms it by examination.
Is it dangerous to wait?
Most hernias can wait for an appointment, but not if the lump becomes hard, painful and cannot be pushed back. Then go to the emergency room.
This page gives general information and does not replace the advice of your treating team. In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency room.