Can rectal examination distinguish rectal cancer?

Digital rectal examination can indeed help distinguish rectal cancer, especially in the early detection of rectal tumors. This simple examination method is widely used in anorectal surgery and can detect about 70% to 80% of rectal tumors.

1. The importance of digital anal examination

As a direct diagnostic tool, digital rectal examination is fast and economical. Many patients with rectal cancer are misdiagnosed because they do not undergo digital rectal examination in time, which shows the importance of this examination. For patients with symptoms such as blood in stool, irregular bowel movements, tenesmus, mucus in stool, and bloody stool, digital rectal examination can be used as a preliminary screening method to help doctors determine whether further examination is needed.

2. Applicable groups for digital rectal examination

Especially for people with relevant symptoms, such as blood in the stool or a feeling of anal prolapse, a digital rectal examination can provide preliminary diagnostic information. Even for people without obvious symptoms, especially the elderly, regular digital rectal examinations can be considered as part of a health check-up, because rectal cancer often has no obvious symptoms in its early stages.

3. Limitations of digital anal examination

Although the digital rectal examination has a high success rate in detecting rectal tumors, it cannot completely replace other examination methods. For example, colonoscopy can provide a more detailed field of view, helping doctors to more accurately determine the size and location of the tumor. The digital rectal examination is usually used as a preliminary screening method. If any abnormality is found, the doctor will recommend further examination.

4. Combination with other inspection methods

In clinical practice, digital anal examination is often used in combination with other examination methods to improve the accuracy of diagnosis. For example, combined with colonoscopy, CT scan or MRI, a more comprehensive assessment of the rectum and surrounding tissues can be achieved. This combination of multiple examination methods helps to develop a more accurate treatment plan.

5. Recommendations for prevention and early screening

Regular physical examinations are essential for early detection of rectal cancer. Especially for people with a family history of the disease or other high-risk factors, regular screening should be taken seriously. In addition to digital rectal examinations, you can also reduce the risk of disease through a healthy lifestyle, such as maintaining a balanced diet, increasing fiber intake, and exercising moderately.

As a simple and effective examination method, digital rectal examination can play an important role in the early detection of rectal cancer. By combining other examination methods and conducting regular health screening, it can help improve the early diagnosis rate of rectal cancer and provide patients with better treatment opportunities. I hope everyone can pay attention to this examination method, especially when relevant symptoms occur, seek medical treatment in time and be responsible for their own health.