Physical Exam

For information on symptoms, see Colon Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) - NCI or Rectal Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) - NCI

During the physical examination, the physician is specifically searching for the following signs

• Recent change in bowel habits (i.e., diarrhea, constipation)
• Blood (either bright red or very dark) in the stool
• General abdominal discomfort (frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, or cramps)
• Masses and enlarged organ (organomegaly, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly)
• Palpable lymph nodes
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes due to blockage of bile ducts)
• Weight loss for unknown reason
• Fatigue
• Vomiting

The physician may do a digital rectal exam (DRE), which is an exam of the rectum. During the DRE, the physician is specifically searching for obvious bleeding, palpable tumors, or fixation.

Physician may also order a fecal occult blood test (FOBT), if there is no history of one.

Document physical exam details in NAACCR Item # 2520 Text-Dx Proc-PE.

See History & Physical Exam | SEER Training website for more information on the patient history and physical exam.

Updated: June 24, 2025