Rectal examination
Rectal Examination
A Rectal Examination (pronounced: rek-tal ex-uh-muh-nay-shun), also known as a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE), is a common medical procedure used to check the health of the lower part of the rectum and other internal organs.
Etymology
The term "Rectal Examination" is derived from the Latin word "Rectum", which means straight, and the English word "Examination", which means inspection or investigation.
Procedure
During a Rectal Examination, a healthcare provider inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for abnormalities. This procedure is often performed as part of a routine physical examination, especially for men over the age of 50, to screen for prostate cancer and other prostate conditions. It can also be used to detect rectal cancer, hemorrhoids, and other conditions affecting the lower digestive tract.
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.
- Hemorrhoids: Swollen veins in the lowest part of the rectum and anus. Sometimes the walls of these blood vessels stretch so thin that the veins bulge and get irritated, especially when you poop.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Rectal examination
- Wikipedia's article - Rectal examination
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