Digital rectal examination

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Digital Rectal Examination

Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) /ˈdɪdʒɪtəl ˈrɛktəl ɪɡˈzæmɪˈneɪʃən/ is a common diagnostic procedure used to check the health of the lower part of the rectum and other internal organs.

Etymology

The term "Digital Rectal Examination" is derived from the Latin word "digitus" meaning "finger", and "rectum", the final section of the large intestine. The term "examination" comes from the Latin "examinare" meaning "to weigh or test".

Procedure

During a Digital Rectal Examination, a healthcare professional inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for abnormalities. This procedure is often used to detect prostate cancer, rectal cancer, and other health issues.

Related Terms

  • Prostate Cancer: A type of cancer that occurs in the prostate, a small walnut-shaped gland in men that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.
  • Rectal Cancer: A type of cancer that begins in the rectum, the last several inches of the large intestine.
  • Gastroenterology: The branch of medicine focused on the digestive system and its disorders.
  • Physical Examination: A routine test your doctor performs to check your overall health.

See Also

  • Prostate-Specific Antigen: A protein produced by cells of the prostate gland. The PSA test measures the level of PSA in a man’s blood.
  • Colonoscopy: An exam used to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum.

External links

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