palpate

Palpate is a verb that means to examine by touch, especially as part of a medical assessment. The word derives from the Latin palpāre, meaning to touch or stroke. In clinical use, palpation refers to using the hands to feel body surfaces and underlying structures.

In medicine, palpation is one of the core physical examination techniques. It is used to assess tenderness, temperature, texture, moisture, elasticity, and the presence of masses, swellings, or abnormal pulsations. Palpation helps identify organ size and contour, surface abnormalities, and conditions such as lymphadenopathy, organomegaly, or edema. It is commonly applied to the abdomen, chest, breasts, lymph nodes, joints, and the peripheral pulses, and may accompany other exam methods such as auscultation and percussion.

Techniques vary by purpose and site. Light palpation uses gentle pressure to evaluate surface characteristics and superficial tenderness, while deep palpation applies firmer, deeper pressure to assess structures beneath the surface. Palpation can be performed with one hand or two hands (bimanual) to stabilize and better feel the area. In the abdomen, systematic palpation helps map tenderness and estimate organ size; in breast or soft tissue exams, palpation aims to distinguish normal from suspicious masses.

Interpretation of palpation findings requires integration with the patient’s history and other examination data. Results can be influenced by patient cooperation, body habitus, and pain. Palpation is a skilled technique and does not replace imaging or diagnostic tests when those are indicated.

Palpation is also used outside medicine, such as in physical therapy, massage, or veterinary care, where touch aids assessment and manual therapy.