Which finding would be indicative of prostate cancer during a digital rectal exam?

A palpable nodule during a digital rectal exam is a strong indicator of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer can present as an irregular mass or nodule on the prostate that may be detected with careful palpation. This abnormal growth is typically harder and more distinct compared to the normal prostate tissue.

In contrast, a soft prostate is often associated with benign conditions, such as prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia, rather than cancer. An enlarged smooth gland generally indicates benign enlargement, often seen in conditions like BPH, but does not specifically point to malignant changes. Finally, a firm texture could describe both benign and malignant conditions; however, firmness alone is not diagnostic without the irregularity indicative of cancer, which is why a palpable nodule is a more specific finding linked directly to prostate cancer.