What are the methods of Screening & Diagnosis?

Physical examination is the first line of diagnosis to test the external femoral bulge. The bulge will be examined for its texture, size and protrusion. Your doctor will check for skin discolouration, inflammation or dark patches on the surface of the bulge to rule out gangrene (death of tissue). However, your doctor may find it difficult to feel the bulge if it’s small in size.

If the hernia cannot be detected with physical examination, your doctor may order ultrasound of the abdomen or groin. Other imaging tests such as diagnostic X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computer tomography (CT) scan may be performed to check for the protruding issue.

Laboratory tests may be suggested to confirm serious femoral hernias.

• Blood tests for evaluating:
  • White blood cell count which indicates presence of infection, inflammation or tissue death.
  • Red blood cell count to determine internal bleeding and blood loss, or blocked circulation.
• Stool tests which canindicate irregular bowels, a common symptom of entrapment of the internal abdominal organs.

• Biopsy: Your doctor may suggest a biopsy to detect severe conditions like cancer at the herniated site.
• Herniagram: A radio-opaque liquid is injected into the abdominal cavity which collectsin the cavity. This region will show up on the X-ray images of the bulging area, confirming the presence of hernia.