How long can symptoms be present before a 10cm abdominal aortic aneurysm ruptures?

Uncertain: Typically patient should have abdominal or back pain for months to years however one can be completely asymtomatic and have sudden pain in abdomen and back due to rupture.

Why wait to find out: We start to worry about aneurysms when they are larger than 5 cm. Think of it like a latex balloon. Once it is really big, it pops pretty easy. Any symptoms at all are a sign of impending rupture. And rupture has devastating consequences, including sudden death. See a vascular surgeon before there are symptoms. Once it is symptomatic it might be too late.