relationship to surrounding structures
Last reviewed 01/2018
The examiner must deduce the relationship between the lump and the underlying and overlying structures. If the lump is attached to the skin then this can be easily determined because both the lump and the skin are easily accessible and any limitation of movement can easily be felt.
The attachment of the lump to deeper structures is more difficult to feel. If a lump is attached to muscle then it will become less mobile, or, if deep to muscle, more difficult to palpate, when the muscle group is tensed.