Key information: palpable mass, enlargement of prostate (sometimes numbered 1+, 2+, and so forth), size of nodule (in centimeters or inches), nodularity in prostate or pelvis, palpable lymph nodes, palpable nodes (inguinal and elsewhere), evidence of "frozen" pelvis, organomegaly (hepatosplenomegaly, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly)
Digital Rectal Examination: examination of the lower portion of the rectum, perineum and surrounding tissues using a gloved finger inserted into the anus. During the examination, the examining finger can feel the prostate gland. Also called rectal exam, manual exam.
Key
words/possible involvement: nodularity, induration, fixation of seminal
vesicles, enlargement, firmness, lesion, neoplasm, malignancy, active bleeding
Other words/no involvement: if there is no mention of prostatic abnormality
during the exam; benign prostatic
hypertrophy
Go to the Physical
Exam page of the Diagnostic Tests for more information.