An abscess is a pocket of infection and pus that can form in organs, soft tissues, or the abdomen.
Symptoms often include a painful lump or swollen area, warmth, redness, fever, and sometimes leaking pus or feeling generally unwell.
Imaging helps when the abscess may be deep, when doctors need to know its size and exact location, or when drainage is being considered.
Ultrasound, CT, or MRI can help show where the abscess is, how large it is, and whether image-guided drainage may help.
Management often includes antibiotics and, in some cases, drainage or surgery depending on the location and severity.
This entry explains the finding. The next step is having a radiologist interpret your specific scan, not a general definition.
