Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: August 13, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Painful Lump in Right Upper Abdomen

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Cholecystitis: This is an inflammation of the gallbladder, often caused by gallstones. It presents with right upper quadrant abdominal pain, which can be severe and constant, and may be accompanied by a palpable mass if the gallbladder is significantly inflamed.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Hepatic Hematoma or Abscess: These conditions can cause a painful lump in the right upper abdomen due to bleeding or infection within the liver. Symptoms can include pain, fever, and a palpable mass.
  • Pyogenic Liver Abscess: An abscess in the liver can cause pain and a palpable mass in the right upper abdomen, often accompanied by fever and other signs of infection.
  • Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Although less common, a tumor in the liver can present as a painful lump, especially if it is large or has ruptured.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Ruptured Hepatic Aneurysm or Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM): These vascular abnormalities can cause sudden, severe abdominal pain and potentially life-threatening bleeding if they rupture.
  • Perforated Peptic Ulcer: While more commonly associated with the stomach or duodenum, a perforated peptic ulcer can occasionally present with pain and a mass in the right upper quadrant if the perforation leads to a localized abscess.
  • Appendicitis (if atypical presentation): Although appendicitis typically presents with pain in the lower right abdomen, an atypically located appendix can cause pain and a palpable mass in the right upper quadrant.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Echinococcal Cyst: A parasitic cyst in the liver can cause a painful lump in the right upper abdomen, although this is more common in endemic areas.
  • Hepatic Hydatid Disease: Similar to echinococcal cysts, this parasitic infection can cause cystic lesions in the liver that may present as a painful mass.
  • Primary Liver Lymphoma: A rare tumor of the liver that can present with a painful mass, although it is much less common than other liver pathologies.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.