When doing a physical to check for prostate cancer, why do they ask men to cough?
During a physical examination to check for prostate cancer, healthcare professionals might ask men to cough as a part of the rectal examination, also known as a digital rectal examination (DRE). This procedure involves manually feeling the prostate gland through the rectum to assess any abnormalities or signs of cancer. The coughing action serves two main purposes:
1. Relieves tension: Asking the patient to cough produces a momentary increase in intra-abdominal pressure, which in turn briefly pushes the prostate against the examining finger. This pressure provides a tactile cue to help healthcare professionals evaluate the size, consistency, and mobility of the prostate gland.
2. Refines palpation: The coughing action can help distinguish between normal prostate tissue and any potentially cancerous or abnormal areas. It allows the healthcare provider to feel if there are any irregularities, nodules, or hardened areas within the prostate gland.
It's important to note that the digital rectal examination is one of the methods used to screen for prostate cancer, but it is not a definitive diagnostic tool. Further tests like prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests, imaging studies, or biopsies may be necessary to confirm the presence of prostate cancer.