Rectal examination
| Rectal examination | |
|---|---|
| Side view of male reproductive and urinary anatomy, including the prostate, rectum and bladder, with an index finger probing the anus | |
| ICD-9-CM | 89.34 | 
| MeSH | D051517 | 
| MedlinePlus | 007069 | 
Digital rectal examination (DRE), also known as a prostate exam (Latin: palpatio per anum (PPA), lit. 'palpation through the anus'), is an internal examination of the rectum performed by a healthcare provider.
Prior to a 2018 report from the United States Preventive Services Task Force, a digital exam was a common component of annual medical examination for older men, as it was thought to be a reliable screening test for prostate cancer.