National Cancer Institute
U.S. National Institutes of Health | www.cancer.gov

NCI Home
Cancer Topics
Clinical Trials
Cancer Statistics
Research & Funding
News
About NCI
Dictionary of Cancer Terms
In English   En español
Page Options
Print This Page
Quick Links
Director's Corner
Updates from the Director

Dictionary of Cancer Terms
Cancer-related terms

NCI Drug Dictionary
Definitions, names, and links

Funding Opportunities
Research and training

NCI Publications
Order/download free booklets

Advisory Boards and Groups
Information, meetings, reports

Science Serving People
Learn more about NCI

Español
Información en español
Quit Smoking Today
NCI Highlights
Report to Nation Finds Declines in Cancer Incidence, Death Rates

High Dose Chemotherapy Prolongs Survival for Leukemia

Prostate Cancer Study Shows No Benefit for Selenium, Vitamin E

The Nation's Investment in Cancer Research FY 2009

Past Highlights
Search for
# A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
In English   En español

sigmoidoscopy (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 proctosigmoidoscopy.

Enlarge
Sigmoidoscopy; shows sigmoidoscope inserted through the anus and rectum and into the sigmoid colon.  Inset shows patient on table having a sigmoidoscopy.




Previous Definitions:side-to-end coloanal anastomosis, sideropenic dysphagia, SIDS, sigmoid colon, sigmoidoscope
Next Definitions:signal transduction, signal transduction inhibitor, signaling pathway, signature molecule, signet ring cell carcinoma

A Service of the National Cancer Institute
Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health USA.gov