Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services for sudden, severe abdominal or back pain, especially with a pulsing abdominal mass, fainting, severe weakness, pale or sweaty skin, or trouble breathing.
Also seek emergency help for severe pain with repeated vomiting, a rigid abdomen, or collapse.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek same-day medical care if the mass:
Becomes painful or very tender
Is accompanied by fever or repeated vomiting
Feels firm and no longer flattens when it previously did
Comes with increasing abdominal swelling
Occurs with difficulty passing stool or gas
Has red, purple, or dark skin over it
These features may occur when a hernia becomes trapped, the bowel is blocked, or infection is present.
And for anyone, someone who:
has abdominal pain that is severe, constant, or getting worse
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Book a routine appointment if you find a new abdominal lump that has no clear explanation.
Arrange review if it lasts, enlarges, returns, or causes ongoing discomfort.
A painless mass should still be checked.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Abdominal mass. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.