Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Diagnosis of Abscess

Skin abscesses can often be diagnosed by a physical examination of the area.  Your doctor or GP will probably ask you for your medical history to help him or her find the cause of the problem.  They may also ask you how long the abscess has been there, if you have been injured in that area, whether you have had any fever or illness and if you are taking any medications.

If the abscess is near the anus or vagina, the doctor will perform a rectal or vaginal examination.  If the abscess is on your arm or leg, the doctor may feel the lymph glands in your groin or under your arm.

An abscess on an internal organ such as the liver or brain may be diagnosed by X-ray or scanning. Sometimes an operation is needed to detect it.

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