Rectal cancer

Rectal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the rectum. Health professionals often refer to it as colorectal cancer, although this term combines rectal cancer and colon cancer, which begins in the colon.

Symptoms

Rectal cancer symptoms can include a change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool, that lasts for more than a few days. Other symptoms can include rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, cramping or abdominal (belly) pain, weakness and fatigue, or unintended weight loss.

Causes

Most rectal cancers are due to old age and lifestyle factors, with only a small number of cases due to underlying genetic disorders. Risk factors include diet, obesity, smoking, and lack of physical activity. Dietary factors that increase the risk include red meat, processed meat, and alcohol. Another risk factor is certain types of inflammatory bowel disease, which can include ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of rectal cancer is typically by colonoscopy. Medical imaging such as CT scanning and MRI can then be used to determine if the disease has spread.

Treatment

Treatment of rectal cancer may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination. Surgery can often be done by laparoscopy and might involve removing the entire rectum (proctectomy).

Prognosis

The five-year survival rate in the United States is around 67%. This, however, depends on how advanced the cancer is, whether or not all the cancer can be removed with surgery, and the person's overall health.

See also

• Colorectal cancer
• Colonoscopy
• Proctectomy

Rectal cancer Resources
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