Malpable Abdominal Mass Essay

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An abdominal mass is an abnormal growth in the abdomen. These growths can be caused by a variety of reasons and their pathologies can be very different from one another. A palpable abdominal mass is one that can be felt by the person or by a person performing an examination. When referring to the abdomen, there are four main quadrants: right upper quadrant, left upper quadrant, right lower quadrant, and left lower quadrant. The abdomen can also be divided more thoroughly into nine smaller quadrants. Abdominal masses can be the result of an injury, a cyst, a benign or malignant tumor, or other diseases. Abdominal masses can cause numerous problems for a patient. They can damage organs by restricting the organ’s space and its capability to function properly. It is important to order the proper examinations and modalities that will be able to diagnose an abdominal mass appropriately and accurately. …show more content…

Both modalities receive a rating of 9 and 8 respectively. In both MRI and CT, an abdomen with IV contrast should be ordered if IV contrast is not a contraindication for the patient. The use of contrast dye for either exam may help to better demonstrate pathology needed for more accurate diagnoses (American College of Radiology, 2018). Both CT and MRI provide a cross sectional visualization of the abdomen, which can find and diagnose an abdominal mass. Both exams can also provide visualization of other tissues, structures, and organs within or adjacent to the mass. Although CT and MRI have a few similarities, they have very specific differences, both for and against, that can ultimately decide which exam is the right choice for a patient with a palpable abdominal

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