How are rectal polyps diagnosed clinically?
Disease description:
For the past couple of days, I've noticed pus and blood in my stool. I suspect it might be a rectal polyp and would like to go to the hospital for an examination. I want to know how rectal polyps are diagnosed clinically.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Li Jingxiang
The clinical diagnosis of rectal polyps primarily relies on the following methods:
1. Digital rectal examination: During a digital rectal exam, the physician may feel soft, smooth, mobile nodules, especially in the middle and lower rectum, which serves as an important initial diagnostic tool.
2. Rectoscopy: Through rectoscopy, doctors can directly observe whether polypoid tissue has developed in the rectum and accurately assess the mucosal color on the surface of the polyp, aiding in determining the polyp type.
3. Barium enema examination: This imaging test can reveal areas of filling defects in the rectum and is highly sensitive for detecting polyps.
4. Histopathological examination: Taking a biopsy of the polyp tissue during endoscopy and examining it pathologically is a crucial step in confirming the nature of the polyp and determining whether malignant transformation has occurred.
By integrating these diagnostic methods, physicians can accurately diagnose rectal polyps and formulate appropriate treatment plans accordingly.
