Prostate Exam - What is the Doctor Looking for?

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

• What to Expect During a Prostate Exam
  
• How Long Does a Prostate Exam Take?

_{Created: 01/31/2006}