Anal fingerprinting and anoscopy can detect most rectal cancers. However, for a definitive diagnosis, it is necessary to rely on pathologic findings.
Anal finger test, i.e. rectal finger test, is a specialized doctor using his finger to check whether there is any lesion in this section of the patient’s anus and rectum. Intermediate and low rectal cancer is common in China, so a large percentage of patients can be detected early by a simple examination by a doctor.
The detection of rectal cancer by anoscopy is related to the location of rectal cancer from the anus. Anoscopy, i.e. proctoscope, is more effective in detecting low rectal cancer, which generally refers to less than 7cm from the anus. However, for rectal cancer larger than 7cm, the lesion cannot be seen by anoscopy, and the cancerous lesion needs to be found by colonoscopy.
To summarize, rectal fingerprinting and anoscopy can detect rectal cancer, and colonoscopy is needed when necessary, but the diagnosis of cancerous lesions needs to be sent to pathological examination, so it is recommended to check and diagnose according to the opinions of attending doctors and follow the doctor’s instructions to cooperate with the treatment.