Digital rectal examination

It consists in examining the prostate by palpating with the finger through the wall of the rectum. This rectal exam allows the doctor to detect a cancer even if the PSA level is considered normal. If this is the case, the doctor can send the patient to a specialist.

How does the doctor do a rectal exam?

To do a rectal exam, the doctor has to introduce his index finger, covered with a glove, inside the anus of the patient. His finger is lubricated with Vaseline to prevent pain during the exam. The patient is usually lying on his back, with his thighs flexed, or on his knees. The doctor’s index examines the consistence and regularity of the prostate.

Even though this exam in painless, it is usually felt as uncomfortable. If the doctor detects an abnormality during the rectal exam, he asks the patient to do a prostate sampling. Sometimes the clinical exam is completely normal; however some abnormalities are not palpable. The rectal exam can also help in looking for other abnormalities at the level of the rectum.