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Rectal cancer is a disease that occurs when cells in the rectum grow abnormally and turn into cancer. The rectum, which makes up the last few centimeters of the large intestine, can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Rectal cancer may develop due to abnormalities in DNA. The treatment method is determined according to the patient’s condition and then initiated.
What is Rectal Cancer?
The rectum is defined as the part of the large intestine located close to the anus, and malignant tumors that develop in this area are referred to as rectal cancer. It is most commonly seen after the age of 70, but cases also increase after the age of 35. Cancer screening methods such as colonoscopy are often effective in detecting polyps that may develop into cancer. Regular screenings play a significant role in reducing the risk of developing rectal cancer.
Among gastrointestinal cancers, rectal cancer ranks as the third most common type, following colon cancer and pancreatic cancer.
What Causes Rectal Cancer?
Rectal cancer does not have a clearly defined cause, but several factors are known to increase its risk. These include:
- Advancing age, which can elevate the likelihood of developing rectal cancer.
- Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which are associated with a higher risk.
- A diet high in red meat and processed meat, which has been linked to increased risk.
- A family history of rectal cancer, which raises the probability of developing the disease.
- Male gender, as men are statistically more likely than women to develop rectal cancer.
- Obesity, which significantly increases the risk compared to individuals with a healthy weight.
Symptoms of Rectal Cancer
In its early stages, rectal cancer may manifest with few, if any, visible symptoms. The following are some typical signs of rectal cancer:
- One of the most prevalent symptoms is blood in the stool, ranging from brilliant red to tar-like dark.
- A change in bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhea, constipation, or the perception that a bowel movement was incomplete.
- Abdominal pain: Some sufferers of rectal cancer may feel pain or discomfort in their abdomens.
- Unexplained weight loss: Rectal cancer might be detected if there is a sudden drop in weight without any dietary or exercise modifications.
- Fatigue: The spread of rectal cancer to other body areas may cause rectal cancer patients to feel unusually weak or tired.
- Anemia: Rectal cancer can result in colon bleeding, which can cause anemia.
It's crucial to remember that other illnesses can also cause these symptoms. If you're exhibiting any of these symptoms, seeing a doctor for a correct diagnosis is vital.
How is Rectal Cancer Diagnosed?
Rectal cancer is usually diagnosed by a combination of tests and examinations to establish the presence of the disease and quantify its severity.
The following are some typical techniques used to diagnose rectal cancer:
- Physical examination: To look for any anomalies in the rectum and anus, a physical examination may involve a digital rectal exam (DRE).
- Stool examination: Stool examinations can be performed to look for blood, which may indicate rectal cancer.
- Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is an endoscopic treatment that enables a physician to see inside the colon and rectum to look for any tumors or abnormal growths.
- Barium Enema X-ray: This procedure involves administering a liquid containing barium rectally and colonically. It highlights irregularities in the colon and rectum and is employed to find rectal cancer.
- Biopsy: A small tissue sample is removed from the rectum for laboratory examination during a biopsy. This is a crucial stage in the diagnostic process since it is the only way to identify rectal cancer positively.
- Imaging exams: Imaging exams like CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans can be used to evaluate the size and location of rectal cancer and find out if it has spread to other body sites.
It is crucial to speak with a doctor for a correct diagnosis and to determine the best course of therapy.
How Is Rectal Cancer Treated?
Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery are frequently used to treat rectal cancer. The stage of the tumor, its location, and the patient's general condition all play a role in the treatment decision. The objectives of treatment are to eradicate the cancer, stop it from spreading, and maintain regular bowel movements.
- Surgery: The most popular form of treatment for rectal cancer is surgery. The surgical options could be any of the following, depending on the cancer's stage and location:
Local excision: This surgery removes the tumor and a thin margin of surrounding healthy tissue.
b. Partial colectomy: During this treatment, the cancer and a portion of the colon are removed.
c. Abdominoperineal resection (APR): This procedure involves removing the rectum, anus, and a portion of the lower colon. - Radiation therapy: To kill cancer cells, radiation therapy uses high-energy rays. It can be used before or after surgery to reduce the malignancy or eliminate any cancer cells that may still be present.
- Chemotherapy: Drugs are used in chemotherapy to kill cancer cells. To reduce the malignancy or eliminate any leftover cancer cells, it may be administered before or after surgery.
The treatment program will be customized for each patient and their particular cancer. To choose the best therapy, it's crucial to consult carefully with a specialist experienced in rectal cancer management.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rectal Cancer
What are the first signs of rectal cancer?
The first signs of rectal cancer include rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and persistent fatigue.
How long can you live with rectal cancer?
Life expectancy in rectal cancer varies depending on the stage at diagnosis and the patient’s response to treatment. While individuals diagnosed at an early stage may live for many years, survival tends to be shorter in advanced stages.
Is rectal cancer curable?
If detected at an early stage, rectal cancer can be completely cured with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. In advanced stages, treatment can help control the disease.
What is stage 4 rectal cancer?
Stage 4 rectal cancer refers to the spread of the disease beyond the rectum, particularly to distant organs such as the liver or lungs.
