External Hemorrhoids : Tests

A doctor can often diagnose hemorrhoids simply by examining the rectal area. If necessary, tests that may help diagnose the problem include: Stool guaiac (shows the presence of blood; Sigmoidoscopy; Anoscopy.

Anoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that allows a gastroenterologist or other physician to visually examine the rectum, anus, and anal canal. Purpose Doctors use anoscopy to diagnose rectal cancer and cancer of the anus.

A fecal occult blood test (FOBT) is a noninvasive test that detects the presence of hidden (occult) blood in the stool. Such blood may arise from anywhere along the digestive tract. Hidden blood in stool is often the first, and in many cases the only, warning sign that a person has colorectal disease, including colon cancer . There are two types of FOBTs: 1) the traditional guaiac smear test (Hemoccult, Seracult, Coloscreen), and 2) the newer, flushable reagent pads (EZ DetectT, ColoCARE). They are both useful in detecting hidden blood in the stool, and are mainly used for colorectal cancer screening. The tests differ in the way they are performed. The flushable reagent pads are available without a prescription at many drugstores. In contrast, the traditional guaiac smear test is completed and interpreted by a medical professional, and these tests are usually available from a laboratory or a doctor's office. Many consumers prefer the flushable reagent pads because there is no stool handling and no laboratory processing. However, health care providers usually favor the guaiac tests because the large studies that have shown the benefits of colon cancer screening were done with guaiac tests.

The fecal occult blood test (FOBT) is performed as part of the routine physical examination during the examination of the rectum. It is used to detect microscopic blood in the stool and is a screening tool for colorectal cancer .

The fecal occult blood test (FOBT) is a rapid test for detecting the presence of blood hidden in the stool and caused by gastrointestinal bleeding. Purpose This test is performed to detect the presence of blood in the feces.

Stool specimen collection is the process of obtaining a sample of a patient's feces for diagnosic purposes. Purpose This procedure is used to test for infectious organisms, mucus, fat, parasites, or blood in the stool.

Sigmoidoscopy is an internal examination of the lower large bowel (colon), using an instrument called a sigmoidoscope. The sigmoidoscope is a small camera attached to a flexible tube. It is inserted into the colon to examine the rectum, and the sigmoid and descending portions of the colon.

SigmoidoscopyIf you’re 50 or over, the American Cancer Society recommends having this test every 3 to 5 years.Sigmoidoscopyis a procedure used to view the lower colon. This test screens for colon cancer and can also help find the source of abdomin...

During a physical examination, a health care provider studies a patient's body to determine the presence or absence of physical problems. A typical physical examination includes: Inspection (looking at the body) Palpation (feeling the body with hands) Auscultation (listening to sounds) Percussion (producing sounds)

An anoscopy is a procedure that enables a physician to view the anus, anal canal, and lower rectum using a speculum.

An anoscopy is an examination of the rectum in which a small tube is inserted into the anus to screen, diagnose, and evaluate problems of the anus and anal canal. Purpose This test may be ordered for the evaluation of perianal or anal pain , hemorrhoids , rectal prolapse , digital rectal examination that shows a mass, perianal abscess and condyloma (a wart-like growth).

A digital rectal exam is an examination of the lower rectum to check for hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and stool abnormalities such as frank (evident) or occult (hidden) blood. The term "digital" refers to the clinician's use of a lubricated finger (digit) to conduct the exam. This examination is also used to evaluate the prostate gland in men.

Rectal examination or digital rectal examination (DRE) is performed by means of inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum and palpating (feeling) for lumps. Purpose DRE is used as a screening tool to locate rectal cancer and prostate cancer .

The digital rectal examination (DRE) is a routine part of the physical examination and includes manual examination of the rectum, anus and, in men, the prostate. Purpose The purpose of the digital rectal examination is to identify lesions within the rectum and the prostate.

Sigmoidoscopy is a procedure by which a doctor inserts either a short and rigid or slightly longer and flexible fiber-optic tube into the rectum to examine the lower portion of the large intestine (or bowel). Purpose Sigmoidoscopy is used most often in screening for colorectal cancer or to determine the cause of rectal bleeding.

Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic and screening procedure in which a rigid or flexible tube with a camera on the end (a sigmoidoscope) is inserted into the anus to examine the rectum and lower colon (bowel) for bowel disease, cancer , precancerous conditions, or causes of bleeding and pain . Purpose Sigmoidoscopy is used most often in screening for colorectal cancer or to determine the cause of rectal bleeding.