by Iris W

Created on: November 14, 2008   Last Updated: February 03, 2009

Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) is an important and useful test to check for problems with organs or other structures in the pelvis and lower belly. It is also used to detect any prostate abnormalities. This is a procedure where the doctor will insert a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for any lesions, irregularities, lumps, or enlargements, which might indicate malignant cells.

The American Cancer Society recommends an annual screening of DRE for men over 40 as prostate tumor is usually undetectable by touch in the early stages. African American and men with family history of prostate cancer are especially of high risk.

Aside to check for prostrate abnormalities, the exam is also used for the diagnosis of rectal tumors or cancers, appendicitis, acute abdominal symptoms, and to evaluate haemorrhaids. In cases of constipation, DRE is done in order to examine the color and hardness of the faeces. Most females will also likely to have DRE for gynecological palpation of the internal organs. DRE is also a procedure that is done before a coloscopy or protoscopy to ensure nothing is blocking the rectum before inserting an instrument.

DRE is a quick test that takes only a few minutes to complete that require no special preparations from the patient. You should expect a little discomfort during the test, which is normal. However, you should notify the doctor if you feel any pain as the test is supposed to be painless.

Do not panic if your doctor found any abnormalities, because that may not necessarily be a cancerous area. Your doctor should then run more tests on the detected area to determine if it is indeed a tumor growth. Such examinations may include biopsy and trans-rectal ultrasound scan (TROS). More often than not, the suspicious area has turned out to be benign or non-cancer related.

If however, the lump turns out to be prostate cancer, then you should discuss with your doctor of possible removal of the cells to prevent further growth and spreads. That is the function of digital rectal exam; it allows detection and prevention of cancerous growths before it becomes untreatable.

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