Doctors palpate the abdomen to check certain organs and feel for atypical masses or tenderness. Palpating the abdomen is often part of an abdominal physical examination. A doctor may perform a ...

We instinctively shield our abdomen when we are physically threatened, and we may feel vulnerable when someone puts his or her hand on our bare abdomen. Therefore, with an abdominal examination the ...

Note the location, quality, radiation, severity, and timing of the discomfort: Right upper quadrant discomfort suggests cholecystitis (check the Murphy sign), hepatitis, passive congestion, or ...