Rectal cancer is a cancer that grows in the rectum, the last portion of the colon (large intestine). Rectal cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer and one of the top cancer killers. Rectal cancer is treatable and curable if caught early. However, untreated rectal cancer can grow through the intestinal wall and spread to other parts of the body through the blood vessel or lymphatic system, such as to the liver and lungs, and become terminal.
Rectal cancer is also called colorectal cancer. Rectal cancer often develops from noncancerous adenomatous intestinal polyps in the colon that can become malignant or cancerous over time. The exact cause of rectal cancer is unknown, but having adenomatous intestinal polyps that are not removed while still benign increases the risk of developing the disease. Other people at risk for rectal cancer include those who smoke or eat a high fat, low-fiber diet. Advancing age, especially over 50 years is another risk factor, and those with ulcerative colitis or a family history of rectal cancer are also at increased risk.
In their early stages, adenomatous intestinal polyps often produce no symptoms. As rectal cancer develops, symptoms can include a change in bowel movements, bloating and abdominal discomfort, intestinal obstruction, and/or rectal bleeding. Some people may experience no symptoms at all. For more information on symptoms, refer to symptoms of rectal cancer.
Rectal cancer can be detected and diagnosed using a combination of tests, including a fecal occult blood test, a colonoscopy, virtual colonoscopy and/or a barium X-ray of the colon. Another important part of the diagnostic process includes taking a thorough health history, including symptoms, and performing a physical exam and digital rectal exam. A digital rectal exam involves inserting a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for abnormalities, polyps, and to remove a sample of stool to check for blood.
Treatment of rectal cancer varies, depending on the stage of advancement of the disease and other factors. If rectal cancer is in its very earliest stage, has not spread to other organs outside of the colon, and is limited to the inside of a polyp, surgical removal of the polyp may be all that is needed. If rectal cancer has gone beyond this stage or spread outside the colon, treatment may require a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. For more information on treatment, refer to treatment of rectal cancer.
Because there may be no symptoms in early stages and because some symptoms are similar to those of other conditions, it is possible that a diagnosis of rectal cancer can be missed or delayed. In addition, some symptoms of rectal cancer can be similar to symptoms of other diseases and conditions. For more information about misdiagnosis and diseases and conditions that can mimic rectal cancer, refer to misdiagnosis of rectal cancer. ...more »
Rectal cancer: Rectal cancer is a form of colorectal cancer that affects the rectum. It is an under-diagnosed condition because it has no early symptoms. Even when symptoms occur, both the symptoms and the diagnostic tests required are considered embarrassing by many, leading to delayed diagnosis. However, early diagnosis is crucial as colorectal cancer is a leading cause of death. ...more »
Symptoms of rectal cancer can vary among individuals. Some people experience no symptoms at all, especially in the early stages of the disease. Rectal cancer often develops from benign adenomatous intestinal polyps, which in themselves generally produce no symptoms.
If adenomatous intestinal polyps are not discovered and removed, they can eventually become ...more symptoms »
Treatment of rectal cancer starts with prevention. Preventive measures include seeking regular medical care throughout the lifetime. Regular medical care allows your health care professional to best evaluate your risks of rectal cancer and promptly screen for the disease with such tests as a digital rectal exam, fecal occult blood test, and a colonoscopy. These measures greatly increase your ...more treatments »
A diagnosis of rectal cancer can be missed because the symptoms of the disease can be similar to other diseases, such as hemorrhoids, benign intestinal polyps, ulcerative colitis, diverticulosis, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and irritable bowel syndrome.
In addition, there are often no symptoms in the earliest, most ...more misdiagnosis »
See full list of 13 symptoms of Rectal cancer
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