A paraumbilical (or umbilical) hernia is a protrusion of the abdominal contents, including mesenteric fat or bowel, through a weak point of the muscles or ligaments near the navel. It can lead to discomfort when fatty tissue gets trapped and a lump can be felt or seen. Whilst they are not usually life-threatening, routine surgical treatment is usually advised to prevent enlargement or strangulation or obstruction of the gut. Women are more frequently affected than men. A paraumbilical hernia is an area of weakness around your umbilicus that adults are more likely to develop. An umbilical hernia is an area of weakness in your umbilicus (naval) that often develops in children.