Churchills Pocketbook of Differential Diagnosis

B978-0-7020-3222-6.00002-X, 00002
9
Abdominal Swellings
Abdominal swellings may be divided into generalised and localised
swellings. Abdominal swellings are a common surgical problem.
They are also frequently the subject of examination questions!
Generalised swellings are classically described as the ‘five Fs’, namely
fat, faeces, flatus, fluid or fetus. For the purpose of description
of localised swellings, the abdomen has been divided into seven
areas, i.e. right upper quadrant, left upper quadrant, epigastrium,
umbilical, right lower abdomen, left lower abdomen and suprapubic
area. Hepatomegaly, splenomegaly and renal masses, although
referred to in this section, are dealt with under the relevant heading
in the appropriate section of the book.
SUBASH KC/NMC-15TH/2014
RIGHT UPPER QUADRANT
CAUSES
LIVER
See hepatomegaly, p. 215.
GALL BLADDER
Secondary to carcinoma of the head of the pancreas
Mucocele
• Empyema
Carcinoma
RIGHT COLON
Carcinoma
Faeces
Diverticular mass
Caecal volvulus
• Intussusception
RIGHT KIDNEY
Carcinoma
Polycystic kidney
Hydronephrosis
Pyonephrosis
Perinephric abscess
TB
Solitary cyst
Wilms’ tumour (nephroblastoma)
•
Section A