What condition is suspected in a patient presenting with sudden severe abdominal pain described as "tearing" and a palpable mass in the abdomen?

The clinical presentation of sudden severe abdominal pain characterized as "tearing," combined with the presence of a palpable mass in the abdomen, strongly indicates an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). An AAA occurs when there is a localized dilation or bulging in the wall of the abdominal aorta, which can lead to a rupture. This rupture often presents with sudden, intense pain that can be described as tearing or ripping, and the patient may exhibit signs of shock due to internal bleeding.

Additionally, the palpable mass may correspond to the aneurysm itself if it has expanded significantly. This contrasts with other conditions. An intestinal obstruction typically presents with different symptoms, such as cramping abdominal pain, vomiting, and changes in bowel movements, but not specifically with tearing pain or a mass that resembles an aneurysm. Esophageal varices usually result in vomiting blood or melena due to portal hypertension, and while they can lead to severe internal bleeding, they wouldn't present with abdominal pain in the same manner. An ulcer might lead to severe abdominal pain as well, but it tends to be more localized and does not present with a palpable abdominal mass.

Thus, the combination of tearing pain and a palpable mass uniquely aligns with the clinical picture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm,