A hernia occurs when a portion of internal tissue, such as the intestines or other organ, pushes its way through or between a weakened area of the abdominal wall. This forms a bulge under the skin and a feeling of heaviness or discomfort at the hernia site. Sometimes, it s the result of a congenital weakness in the abdominal wall, or a surgical incision that s affected the strength of the fascia the sheath of connective tissue that holds internal organs in place. In any case, a hernia can develop almost overnight or after years of wear and tear on the abdominal muscles. Name Your Hernia Hernias can pop up anywhere from the breastbone to the groin sometimes playing a disappearing act when you change position.
Inguinal hernias appear as a bulge in the groin or scrotum.
They affect two percent or more of adult males. Femoral hernias appear as a small lump at the top of the leg. They occur most often in obese women. Epigastric hernias develop in the central upper abdomen between the breastbone and navel. Three times more common in men than women, this form of hernia is often signaled by indigestion, belching or vomiting.