Diagnosis A goiter is often discovered during a routine physical exam. By feeling your neck, a healthcare provider may detect an enlarged thyroid, a single nodule, or multiple nodules. Occasionally, a goiter is found during imaging tests for unrelated conditions. Additional tests help to: Measure the size of the thyroid Detect any nodules Assess whether the thyroid is overactive or …
Diagnosis An enlarged spleen is often detected during a physical examination. A healthcare provider can sometimes feel the spleen by gently pressing on the left upper part of the abdomen. In some cases, especially in slender individuals, a healthy spleen may also be palpable. To confirm the diagnosis of an enlarged spleen, the following tests may be recommended: Blood tests …
Diagnosis To diagnose an enlarged liver (hepatomegaly), a healthcare professional may begin with a physical examination. During this, the abdomen is gently pressed to feel the size, shape, and texture of the liver. While this can indicate enlargement, further testing is often required for confirmation. Additional Procedures If an enlarged liver is suspected, several diagnostic tests may be recommended to …
Diagnosis To diagnose gynecomastia, your healthcare provider begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination. You’ll likely be asked about your symptoms, medications, and any underlying health issues. During the exam, your provider will check your breast tissue, stomach area, and genitals to identify any abnormalities or hormone-related signs. TestsYour healthcare team may order several tests to find the …
Diagnosis Diagnosing endometriosis requires a combination of symptom evaluation, physical examination, and imaging or surgical procedures to confirm the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. Tests to check for clues of endometriosis include: Pelvic exam:During this examination, your healthcare professional gently feels your pelvic area with gloved fingers to detect any cysts, nodules, scar tissue, or painful spots behind …
Diagnosis To diagnose endocarditis, healthcare providers perform a detailed physical examination, review medical history, and order several diagnostic tests to confirm or rule out infection in the heart lining or valves. Tests used to diagnose endocarditis include: Blood culture test: Identifies germs in the bloodstream. Results help determine the specific antibiotic or combination of antibiotics required for treatment. Complete blood …
Diagnosis To diagnose end-stage renal disease (ESRD), healthcare providers perform a thorough assessment that includes medical history, physical examination, and specific diagnostic tests to evaluate kidney function and detect damage. • Medical and family history:Your provider reviews your family background, past illnesses, medications, and lifestyle factors that may contribute to kidney disease. • Physical and neurological exams:These help identify signs …
Diagnosis To diagnose encopresis, a healthcare professional may perform several evaluations to determine the cause and rule out underlying issues. • Physical examination and history:The doctor will assess your child’s symptoms, bowel habits, and diet to identify any patterns and rule out physical causes of constipation or soiling. • Digital rectal exam:A lubricated, gloved finger is gently inserted into the …
Diagnosis To diagnose encephalitis, your healthcare professional performs a physical examination and reviews your medical history to identify possible causes and symptoms. Diagnostic tests include: • Brain imaging (MRI or CT scan):These imaging techniques reveal brain swelling or detect other potential causes of symptoms, such as tumors or abscesses. MRI is preferred because it shows finer details of brain tissue …
Diagnosis Diagnosis of emphysema involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, and specific tests to assess lung function and structure. Medical and physical evaluation:Your healthcare provider will ask about your smoking history, exposure to lung irritants, and family medical history. A physical examination includes listening to your lungs to detect abnormal breath sounds. Imaging tests: Chest X-ray: This …