Digital rectal exam

What does "Digital rectal exam" mean in a report or doctor's letter? In our medical dictionary, you will find a patient-friendly explanation of the meaning of this medical term.

Explanation

A digital rectal exam is a simple medical procedure where a doctor checks the lower rectum and other internal organs for any abnormalities. The term "digital" in this context refers to the doctor's fingers, not anything related to computers or electronics. The doctor wears gloves and inserts a lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for any unusual growths or other issues. This test is often used to screen for conditions like prostate cancer or rectal cancer.

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