palpation

medicine

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palpation, medical diagnostic examination with the hands to discover internal abnormalities. By palpation the physician may detect enlargement of an organ, excess fluid in the tissues, a tumour mass, a bone fracture, or, by revealing tenderness, the presence of inflammation (as in appendicitis). Irregular heartbeat or vibrations of the chest can sometimes be diagnosed by palpation.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.