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Definition of Digital rectal exam
Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026
Digital rectal exam: A routine exam in which a physician inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum and feels for abnormal areas to detect rectal cancer and, in a man, inflammation, enlargement, or cancer of the prostate as well as nerve problems indicated by reduction of the normal tone of the muscles of the rectal sphincter.