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Why is a
vaginal-rectal (bimanual) pelvic
exam so important?
All women want an easy and relatively
non-invasive test to detect ovarian
and other cancers of the reproductive system. Sadly, there is no
blood test that is sensitive and specific for ovarian and most other
cancers of the reproductive system. (The PAP test detects cervical
cancer.)
A vaginal-rectal pelvic exam, commonly
called a bimanual pelvic exam, is the recognized first-line, easily
available, test.
During a vaginal-rectal exam, your
doctor will palpitate (feel) the deep reproductive organs by slightly
pressing down on the abdomen while a finger is inserted in both the
vaginal and rectum.
While this sounds icky. It is the
ONLY, BEST way to determine whether there are any solid masses around the
reproductive organs.
The reason we like to have a OB/GYN
perform this test, is that they have lots of experience--this is a routine
exam.
So if your doctor fails to conduct a
bimanual (vaginal-rectal) pelvic exam, please ask for one. Or change
doctors.
The symptoms of ovarian and other
cancers of the reproductive system are very vague. But there are
symptoms and there a doctor can feel a mass in the abdomen during early
stage disease. Early detection greatly improves survival. (See
incidence & mortality)
You deserve the best health and it
starts with getting the best
monitoring.
Action Suggested: Every
year, get a well woman exam that includes a vaginal-rectal (bimanual)
pelvic exam.
Sources & Added Readings:
Johns Hopkins University: http://pathology2.jhu.edu/ovca/ca125qa.cfm
Turn page to:
What
screening tests are currently available?
Why
is a vaginal-rectal pelvic exam so important?
CA-125, why isn't is a good general
screening test?
Revised: December 01, 2004.
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