Cancer of the rectum

Cancer of the rectum or rectal cancer is a disease characterized by the development of cancer cells in the tissues of the rectum. It is a part of colorectal cancer, which is a term used to describe cancers that occur in the colon or rectum.

Overview

Rectal cancer typically begins as small, benign polyps that may over time become rectal cancers. Much like other cancers, the exact cause of rectal cancer is not clear, but certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing it. These include age, history of polyps or colorectal cancer, inflammatory intestinal conditions, inherited syndromes that increase colon cancer risk, low-fiber and high-fat diet, a sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, obesity, smoking, alcohol, radiation therapy for cancer.

Symptoms

Symptoms of rectal cancer may include changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, persistent abdominal discomfort, a feeling that the bowel doesn't empty completely, weakness or fatigue, unexplained weight loss. Many people with rectal cancer experience no symptoms in the early stages of the disease.

Diagnosis

Rectal cancer is diagnosed through several methods. A physical examination and history check is usually the first step. This is followed by a digital rectal examination (DRE) and proctoscopy, colonoscopy, or sigmoidoscopy. Other tests like a biopsy, molecular testing of the tumor, blood tests, chest x-ray, CT scan, MRI, and ultrasound may also be used.

Treatment

Treatment for rectal cancer is based largely on the stage of the cancer. Options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. The patient’s team of doctors will help determine the best treatment option based on the patient’s overall health and personal preferences.

Prevention

While it's not clear what causes rectal cancer, doctors know that this cancer occurs when healthy cells in the rectum develop errors in their DNA. Healthy cells grow and divide in an orderly way to keep your body functioning normally. But when a cell's DNA is damaged and becomes cancerous, cells continue to divide — even when new cells aren't needed. As the cells accumulate, they form a tumor.

See also

• Colorectal cancer
• Cancer
• Colon (anatomy)
• Rectum