Clinical Diagnosis · Digestive System · Hard
Tenesmus
Meaning: Persistent feeling of needing to empty the bowel despite passing little or no stool.
In practice: A feature of rectal cancer and of proctitis, including ulcerative colitis.
Quick check
Two questions on related clinical diagnosis words.
Which word means: Pale, greasy, foul-smelling stools that float, caused by fat malabsorption.
Answer: Steatorrhoea
Which word means: Cramping limb pain brought on by exercise and relieved by rest, due to poor arterial supply.
Answer: Claudication
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