Palpation

Palpation is a method used in medicine to diagnose or evaluate the size, consistency, texture, location, and tenderness of an organ or body part. It is often used in combination with other diagnostic techniques such as auscultation, percussion, and medical imaging.

Overview

Palpation is an essential part of a physical examination and is performed by the examiner using their hands to feel the body. It can be used to assess the skin, muscles, bones, and other structures beneath the skin. The technique can be performed directly with the hands and fingers (direct palpation) or with a hand placed over a cloth or paper (indirect palpation).

Techniques

There are several techniques of palpation, including:

• Light palpation: This is used to assess the surface characteristics such as texture, temperature, and moisture. It is also used to detect areas of tenderness and superficial masses or lesions.
• Deep palpation: This is used to assess the size, shape, and consistency of organs or masses deep within the body. It is also used to detect abnormal growths or structures.
• Bimanual palpation: This involves the use of both hands, one on each side of the body part being examined. It is used to assess the size, shape, and consistency of organs or structures that can be felt between the two hands.

Clinical significance

Palpation is used in many areas of medicine, including:

• In cardiology, to assess the size and location of the heart, and to detect any abnormal heart rhythms or sounds.
• In gastroenterology, to assess the size and consistency of the liver, spleen, and other abdominal organs.
• In obstetrics and gynecology, to assess the size and position of the uterus and fetus during pregnancy.
• In orthopedics, to detect fractures, dislocations, and other abnormalities of the bones and joints.

See also

• Physical examination
• Auscultation
• Percussion (medicine)
• Medical imaging

References

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  A doctor performing a physical examination on a child.

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  Manual palpation technique being demonstrated.

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  Virtual palpation using advanced imaging technology.

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  Elastography image of papillary thyroid carcinoma.