Title of the site

Abdomen

The part of the body which is situated in the area that most humans refer to as their "belly", the human abdomen actually sits between the pelvis - a person's hip structure - and the thorax, or chest. The abdomen also includes most of the gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, as well as several vital organs. Because of everything contained within the abdomen, it is one of the most important parts of the human anatomy.

Inside the abdomen, you'll find:

• Stomach
• Small intestine
• Appendix
• Liver
• Gallbladder
• Pancreas
• Spleen
• Kidneys
• Adrenal glands
• Uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries (women)
• Peritoneum (a membrane that covers certain organs)

Because the abdomen is so all-encompassing, reasons for experiencing abdominal pain can range from a simple belly ache to appendicitis or gallstones to something much more serious. Doctors can determine the source of abdominal pain by gathering information about the characteristics of the pain, including its location and pattern, and by prescribing certain diagnostic measures that can allow them to look for inflamed organs or other internal problems. This is done via an MRI or CT scan, endoscopy, or surgery.Because diseases of the abdomen can mimic one another, it often takes some time to figure out what is occurring.

Patients with mesothelioma may experience abdominal pain, especially if the disease has attacked the peritoneum. Though peritoneal mesothelioma only accounts for about 30% of all meso cases, it can be very painful. Cancer cells in this area of the body cause excessive fluid to build up in the abdominal cavity, making it difficult to breathe and prompting the need to remove the fluid.

Last modified: September 22 2008.