Results
A digital (finger) rectal examination is
done to check for problems of organs or other structures in the pelvis and
lower belly. During the examination, the doctor gently puts a
lubricated, gloved finger of one hand into the
.
Digital rectal examNormal: | No problems such
as organ enlargements or growths are felt. |
|---|
Abnormal: | Problems such as
organ enlargements or growths are felt. |
|---|
For men, the
prostate gland may be enlarged. This may mean
or inflammation of
the prostate gland (). Tumors are
felt. |
For women, growths
such as tumors of the
, uterus, or
are felt. |
Growths such as
, polyps, tumors, or
may be found in the lower rectum. Breaks in
the skin around the anus () may be found. Problems
of the bladder may also be felt. |