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Digital rectal exam (DRE)
Digital rectal exam (DRE) Procedure in which the physician inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to examine the rectum and the prostate gland for signs of cancer.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Physician
A doctor. An authorized practitioner of medicine.
Rectum
An 8-inch chamber connected to the large intestine that receives solid waste (feces) from the descending colon to be expelled from the body. The rectum connects the colon to the anus. It is the rectum's job to receive stool from the colon, to let the person know that there is stool to be evacuated, and to hold the stool until evacuation happens.
Prostate
A male sex gland that produces a thick fluid which forms part of semen.
Gland
An organ that releases a chemical. Endocrine glands are ductless and secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream. Exocrine glands secrete externally, either through a tube or duct.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Digit
A finger or toe.
Digit, supernumerary
An extra finger or toe.
Digital rectal exam
An exam 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.
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Diastolic blood pressure
The lowest blood pressure measure in the arteries, which occurs between heartbeats.
Dietitian
A specialist in the study of nutrition.
Digestants
Medicines that aid or stimulate digestion. An example is a digestive enzyme such as Lactaid for people with lactase deficiency.
Digestion
The process the body uses to break down food into simple substances for energy, growth, and cell repair.
Digestive system
The organs in the body that break down and absorb food. Organs that make up the digestive system are the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus. Organs that help with digestion but are not part of the digestive tract are the tongue, glands in the mouth that make saliva, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder.
Digital rectal exam (DRE)
Distention
Bloating or swelling of the abdomen.
Diuretic
A medication that lowers blood pressure.
Diverticula
Plural form of diverticulum.
Diverticulitis
A condition that occurs when small pouches in the colon (diverticula) become infected or irritated. Also called left-sided appendicitis.
Diverticulosis
A condition that occurs when small pouches (diverticula) push outward through weak spots in the colon.
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