Pronunciation:
rek toe VAG in al • (noun)
Also Known As:
incorrectly referred to as the bimanual or rectal exam
Alternate Spellings:
recto-vaginal examination
Common Misspellings:
rectalvagino exam
Related Resources:
Definition:
Part of the pelvic or gyn examination where the health care professional palpates
(feels) the internal pelvic organs by inserting one gloved finger in the rectum
and one in the vagina. This is the best way to detect certain abnormalities, including
parts of the uterus, ovaries, and colon, and is part of a good screening for ovarian
cancer.
Related Terms
• pelvic exam
• bimanual exam
• ovarian cancer
Warning Signs of Ovarian Cancer
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Copyright © 2001 by Laura Dolson. All rights reserved. Please submit reprint requests to gyncancer@baymoon.com
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