A small bulge in the abdomen or groin may seem harmless at first. But if that lump becomes painful, increases in size, or interferes with daily activities, it could be a sign of a hernia. A hernia occurs when an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weakened area of the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. Hernias are common and can affect people of different ages. While some hernias may cause little or no discomfort initially, others may require surgical treatment to