Palpáció

Palpáció (Hungarian for palpation) is a core medical examination technique that relies on touch to evaluate the body's surfaces and internal structures. Clinicians use palpáció to assess texture, temperature, moisture, contour, size, mobility, and tenderness, and to detect masses, swelling, or crepitus. It helps localize abnormalities and estimate organ size or tissue reaction.

Techniques include superficial palpáció, using light fingertip contact to feel surface features and superficial tenderness; deep palpáció, applying firmer pressure to assess deeper structures; and bimanual palpáció, where two hands work together to stabilize and examine a structure. The abdomen is often assessed with a sequence of palpation steps within the broader physical examination. In abdominal exams, many guidelines recommend auscultation before palpation to avoid altering bowel sounds.

Applications span many systems: abdomen (liver edge, spleen, masses, tenderness), chest wall, musculoskeletal structures, lymph nodes, and peripheral pulses. Palpation can detect edema, ascites, organomegaly, crepitus, and guarding, and helps assess response to disease or treatment. It is also used in obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, and geriatric assessments.

Procedure considerations include obtaining informed consent, ensuring patient privacy and comfort, warming hands, and using lubrication when needed. Clinicians tailor technique to patient age, body habitus, and clinical context and avoid excessive pressure in suspected acute conditions, infection, or trauma.

Palpáció is a skill developed through formal training and clinical practice. While useful, its findings are subjective and best interpreted alongside other examination methods and diagnostic tests, such as auscultation, percussion, imaging, and laboratory studies.