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Point tenderness - abdomen - Overview

Alternative Names

Abdominal tenderness

Definition of Point tenderness - abdomen:

Abdominal point tenderness refers to the pain you feel when pressure is applied to a specific part of the belly area (abdomen).

Considerations:

The abdomen is an area of the body a doctor can easily examine by touch. The doctor can feel masses and organs within the belly area and pinpoint where you feel pain.

Abdominal tenderness can range from mild to severe. "Rebound" tenderness occurs when the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) is irritated, inflamed, or infected. See:Peritonitis

Common Causes:

Abdominal abscess
Appendicitis
Certain types of hernias
Diverticular disease
Hepatitis
Meckel's diverticulum
Ovarian torsion (twisted Fallopian tube)
Pelvic inflammatory disease

Anatomical landmarks, front view

Appendix

Reviewed last on: 11/16/2008
Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Proctor DD. Approach to the patient with gastrointestinal disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 134.

Postier RG, Squires RA. Acute abdomen. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 45.

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