Question

A screening tool for benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer includes palpation of the prostate. Explain how this is accomplished.

Answer 1

Answer:

Palpation of the prostate is done by palpating it through the anterior portion of the rectal wall.

Explanation:

Prostate palpation is performed in doctors' offices during a routine urologist appointment. The specialist will ask the patient to take off his clothes and lie on a stretcher. The position for rectal touch depends on the practice of each doctor. It can be done lying in bed in the gynecological position, lying on its side or standing flexing the abdomen on the stretcher.

The doctor will introduce the gloved, lubricated finger into the rectal region (canal that connects the anus to the rectum) and reach the prostate through the anterior portion of the rectal wall. The exam takes approximately 10 seconds to complete. The procedure is painless, but may end up causing some discomfort.