What is an epigastric hernia?

Above belly button: Epi is the latin root for "above". These hernias occur above the umbilicus and usually contain fat which can be painfull if pinched by the abdominal wall muscles.

Lump above umbilicus: A hernia is a hole in the firm layer of the belly wall that holds your guts in; a doctor would call it a fascial defect. The epigastric area is the upper 1/2 of your abdomen above the bellybutton. An epigastric hernia is therefore a fascial defect above your bellybutton. It typically occurs in the midline & can sometimes entrap the preperitoneal fat that lies just beneath the fascia causing pain.

A hole: A hernia is a hole in the abdominal wall muscle layer. When this occurs in the area between the belly button and breast bone, its referred to an epigastric hernia. They are commonly associated with hernias at the belly button as well. Hope this helps!