Hernia Diagnosis

The diagnosis of abdominal wall hernias is usually based on physical examination and, if necessary, a series of imaging studies, such as ultrasound and computerized tomography (C.T.).

A thorough physical examination is usually enough to identify a ‘lump’ that bulges out when coughing or straining and thus reveal the nature of the problem. However, attention should be paid because sometimes a palpable mass in the inguinal area may not be a hernia but a lipoma, lymph node block or a testicular mass.