It is a type of cancer that develops in the last part of the large intestine. It usually occurs when benign growths called polyps turn into cancer over time. Risk factors include age, family history of colorectal cancer, bowel diseases and smoking. Rectal cancer can present with various symptoms. Early diagnosis is very important for the success of treatment.
Rectal Cancer Symptoms
Rectal cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the last part of the large intestine (rectum). Cancer in this area may not usually cause symptoms for a long time. However, as the cancer progresses, various symptoms may appear.
One of the most common symptoms of rectal cancer is blood in the stool. This blood can be bright red or dark. It can also be noticed as rectal bleeding. This symptom can be confused with many bowel diseases, so a doctor should definitely be consulted.
A significant change in bowel habits is a key symptom of rectal cancer. These changes may include persistent constipation or diarrhea, a change in stool form (such as thin stools), or a feeling of not being able to completely empty the bowels.
People with rectal cancer may experience pain or cramps in the lower abdomen. This pain may be due to bowel movements or may be caused by the tumor growing and affecting surrounding nerves.
Unexplained weight loss is a common symptom of many types of cancer. If a person starts to lose weight rapidly despite eating normally, this could be a sign of a problem such as rectal cancer.
Fatigue and weakness, which are general symptoms of cancer in the body, are also common in rectal cancer. The body loses energy while fighting against cancer, and this can lead to a constant feeling of weakness in the patient.
Rectal cancer can cause a feeling of straining or pressure during bowel movements. This feeling becomes more pronounced when a tumor grows in the rectum.
A tumor can cause an obstruction in the intestines. In this case, a person may experience symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, bloating, nausea and vomiting. Intestinal obstruction is a serious condition that requires immediate intervention.
Rectal Cancer Diagnosis
Rectal cancer is a type of cancer that has a high chance of being cured when diagnosed early. The diagnostic process includes various tests and imaging methods that the doctor will perform based on the patient's complaints.
The diagnosis process begins with the patient describing their complaints and the doctor performing a physical examination. The doctor listens to the patient's complaints such as blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, and weight loss. He or she takes into account previous medical history.
This test is done to detect hidden (occult) blood in the stool, which can indicate possible cancer in the rectum and colon. This test is examined in a laboratory to see if there is microscopic blood in the stool. If a positive result is received, further testing may be needed.
Colonoscopy: is the most common and effective method for definitive diagnosis of rectal cancer. Colonoscopy uses a long, flexible tube with a camera at its end to examine the entire colon and rectum.
A sigmoidoscopy is similar to a colonoscopy. It only examines the rectum and sigmoid colon. This procedure takes less time but only examines the last part of the intestines. If a problem is detected in this area, a full colonoscopy may be required.
A biopsy is an important step in confirming the diagnosis of rectal cancer. A tissue sample taken during a colonoscopy is examined under a microscope. If cancer cells are detected as a result of the biopsy, a diagnosis of rectal cancer is made.
Various imaging techniques are used to determine the spread and stage of cancer. These are important for seeing if the cancer has spread to other organs and determining a treatment plan:
CT Scan: Used to see if cancer has spread outside the rectum, especially to the liver or lungs.
MRI: It is used to examine in detail the size of the tumor in the rectum and its effect on the surrounding tissues.
PET Scan: Can show areas where cancer cells are active. This can help detect cancer in other parts of the body.
Blood tests can help diagnose rectal cancer. Specifically, they measure levels of a tumor marker called CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen). High CEA levels can be a sign that the cancer is progressing, but this test alone is not enough to make a diagnosis.
Staging: This is done after diagnosis to understand how far the cancer has progressed and to what parts of the body it has spread. Staging plays a critical role in creating a treatment plan.
Diagnosis of rectal cancer is confirmed using various tests and imaging methods. Early diagnosis greatly increases the chance of cure and plays a critical role in the management of a serious disease such as rectal cancer. It is recommended that individuals, especially those over the age of 50, undergo regular screening tests.
Rectum Cancer Treatment Methods
Treatment is determined by the stage of the cancer, the patient's general health status, and the location of the tumor. It is performed by a combination of methods such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.
Surgery is the most common treatment for early-stage rectal cancer. Depending on the location of the tumor, part or all of the rectum may be removed. If the tumor is in the lower rectum, a permanent colostomy may be required.
Radiotherapy is used before surgery to shrink a tumor or to destroy any remaining cancer cells after surgery. It is an effective treatment option, especially for locally advanced tumors.
Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to stop or destroy the growth of cancer cells. It can be used before or after surgery and is important in reducing the risk of cancer recurring.
Targeted therapy involves drugs that target specific features of cancer cells. It can be used especially in patients with advanced rectal cancer. It can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy to increase the effectiveness of the treatment.
In recent years, new treatment methods such as immunotherapy have also shown promising results in rectal cancer. This treatment strengthens the immune system and enables it to fight against cancer cells.
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