The physical exam



Evaluating the liver

Liver disease may be detected during a physical examination. During part of the exam, your doctor will lightly tap your abdomen above the liver (percussion). The resulting sound may indicate a change in the size and position of the liver. He will also check the health of your liver by gently pressing the area near it. A normal liver is neither shrunken nor enlarged and is not tender when touched by the physician.



Next Section: Architecture of the normal liver