1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Cancer

Prostate Exam - What is the Doctor Looking for?

By Lisa Fayed, About.com

Created: January 31, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Question: Prostate Exam - What is the Doctor Looking for?

What exactly is my doctor looking for during my prostate exam?

Answer: During a prostate exam, also called a digital rectal exam, the doctor will feel the prostate with gloved, lubricated fingers. A normal prostate usually feels firm. The doctor is checking for any hard spots, bumps or any other abnormalities on the prostate.

If abnormalities are found, the doctor may order more tests and possible schedule a prostate biopsy.

More About Prostate Exams





Created: 01/31/2006
More Cancer Q&A
Explore Cancer
About.com Special Features

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Cancer
  4. Men's Cancers
  5. Prostate Cancer
  6. Prostate Cancer Screening
  7. Prostate Exam - What is the Doctor Looking for During a Prostate Exam

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.