Final answer:
Palpating for surface masses or lesions is a technique used to discover abnormalities in the body, often during physical examinations for conditions like melanoma, which can present as large brown or black patches with uneven borders and a raised surface on the skin.
Step-by-step explanation:
To palpate for any surface masses or lesions means to examine by touch, particularly with the hands, to discover abnormalities within the body. For example, let's discuss an important health context where palpation is crucial: identifying melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.
Melanoma typically presents as large brown or black patches with uneven borders and a raised surface, as described in Figure 5.20 by the National Cancer Institute. It may also appear as a large brown spot on the skin with darker specks, a small lesion with an irregular border and varying colors including red, white, blue, or blue-black, or as a dark lesion located on areas not commonly exposed to the sun such as the palms, soles, fingertips, toes, or mucous membranes.
During a physical examination, health professionals look for these signs and palpate the skin to detect any raised lesions or masses, which could be indicative of melanoma or other skin conditions. It's essential that proper protective steps are taken, such as wearing gloves, to ensure hygiene and safety during the examination.