Children's Health

Hernias or aneurysms are bulging sections in a muscle or blood vessel. A hernia or aneurysm may not be visible and may not cause problems.

• An inguinal hernia is a soft lump in the groin or near the navel. It may be more visible when you cough. Hernias that disappear when you press on them may not need any treatment. Hernias that don't disappear when you press on them may be more serious and need medical treatment.
• A bulging section in the wall of a blood vessel (aneurysm) may feel like a pulsating lump in the abdomen, in the groin, or behind the knee. It can cause serious problems if it involves the blood vessels in the brain or the abdomen. Aneurysms may be a medical emergency and may require immediate evaluation.

Swelling caused by cancer

A lump caused by cancer is usually hard, irregularly shaped, and firmly fixed under the skin or deep in tissue. Although they usually do not cause pain, some types of cancerous lumps are painful. Most lumps are not caused by cancer.

Other causes

Swelling may also be caused by:

• A side effect of a medicine, such as phenytoin (Dilantin).
• Other medical conditions and diseases, such as lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, or rheumatoid arthritis.

Check your symptoms to decide if and when you should see a doctor.