Dictionary of Cancer Terms
View in Spanish: Proctosigmoidoscopia
Proctosigmoidoscopy (PROK-toh-sig-moy-DOS-koh-pee)
Examination of the lower colon using a sigmoidoscope, inserted into the rectum. A sigmoidoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing. It may also have a tool to remove tissue to be checked under a microscope for signs of disease. Also called sigmoidoscopy.
Source: National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms, available at www.cancer.gov/dictionary.