Rectal (noun)
An informal term for a digital rectal exam (DRE) done to detect abnormalities that can be felt (palpated) from within the rectum. The doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum and feels for anything that is not normal.
The digital rectal exam is an important screening test for the detection of tumors of the rectum and prostate abnormalities, including benign enlargement of the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and cancer of the prostate.
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- Rectal bleeding
Anal fissure; Colon cancer; Crohn’s disease; Diverticulosis; Peptic ulcer; and Gastric cancer.
- Rectal cancer
A malignant tumor arising from the inner wall of the final part of the large intestine — the rectum. Although colon cancer and rectal cancer share many features, there are important differences between these two diseases including, especially, the tendency for rectal cancer — but not colon cancer — to recur locally. Local recurrence of […]
- Rectal exam, digital (DRE)
An exam done to detect abnormalities that can be felt (palpated) from within the rectum. The doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum and feels for anything that is not normal. The digital rectal exam is an important screening test for the detection of tumors of the rectum and prostate abnormalities, including benign […]
- Rectal incontinence
Inability to hold feces in the rectum due to failure of voluntary control over the anal sphincters with involuntary passage of feces and gas. Also called fecal incontinence.
- Rectocele
Bulging of the front wall of the rectum into the vagina. Rectocele is due to weakening of the pelvic support structures and thinning of the rectovaginal septum (the tissues separating the rectum from the vagina). Also called a proctocele. Risk factors for a rectocele include a history of multiple, difficult or prolonged deliveries, forceps or […]