rectum cancer

What is Rectal Cancer?

Rectal cancer, also known as colorectal cancer when it occurs in the colon or rectum, is a type of cancer that starts as a growth of cells in the rectum. The rectum is the last several inches of the large intestine.

• Causes: Rectal cancer happens when cancerous cells develop in your rectum. This can occur due to genetic mutations or variants [9].
• Symptoms: Symptoms include rectal bleeding or changes in how and when you poop [2]. In some cases, a person may feel cramp-like pain in the stomach, experience constipation or diarrhea, and have stool that is streaked or mixed with blood [7].

Stages of Rectal Cancer

Rectal cancer occurs when cells in the rectum mutate and grow out of control. The disease progresses through various stages:

• Causes: Rectal cancer occurs when cancerous cells develop in the tissue of the rectum [4].
• Stages: The disease's symptoms, causes, stages, treatment, and survival rate can be understood by learning more about this condition [5].

Treatment and Survival Rate

Rectal cancer is a serious disease that requires prompt medical attention. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

• Survival Rate: The survival rate for rectal cancer patients depends on the stage of the disease at diagnosis [5].
• Treatment Options: Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are common treatment options for rectal cancer [8].

References:

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Common Signs and Symptoms of Rectal Cancer

Rectal cancer can manifest in various ways, and it's essential to be aware of the possible symptoms to seek medical attention promptly. Here are some common signs and symptoms of rectal cancer:

• Changes in Bowel Habits: Diarrhea or constipation, narrowing of the stool, or a change in the frequency of bowel movements [1][2]
• Rectal Bleeding: Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding is a common symptom of rectal cancer [3][4]
• Abdominal Pain: Unexplained abdominal pain, cramps, or discomfort can be a sign of rectal cancer [5][6]
• Weight Loss: Unintentional weight loss can occur due to changes in eating habits and decreased appetite [7]
• Blood in the Stool: Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool is a common symptom of rectal cancer [8]

Other Possible Symptoms

In some cases, rectal cancer may also cause:

• Diarrhea or constipation
• Feeling full after eating small amounts
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal swelling or masses

It's essential to note that these symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions, such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, or inflammatory bowel disease. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References:

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Diagnostic Tests for Rectal Cancer

Rectal cancer diagnosis involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of cancer cells in the rectum. Here are some common diagnostic tests used to diagnose rectal cancer:

• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is the most common test used to diagnose colorectal cancer, including rectal cancer. During a colonoscopy, a flexible tube with a camera and light on the end is inserted through the anus to visualize the inside of the colon and rectum (7).
• Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A DRE involves a doctor inserting a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for any lumps or swelling (14). This test can help identify abnormalities in the rectum.
• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and endorectal ultrasound may be used to assess the extent of cancer spread and involvement of nearby tissues or organs (5).
• Liver Enzyme Test: A liver enzyme test checks for signs that rectal cancer has spread to the liver (10).
• Tumor Marker Tests: Tumor marker tests, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), can help monitor the progression of rectal cancer and response to treatment (10).

Other Diagnostic Tests

In addition to these tests, other diagnostic procedures may be used to diagnose rectal cancer, including:

• Sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscopy is a procedure that uses a flexible tube with a camera and light on the end to visualize the inside of the sigmoid colon and rectum (6).
• Virtual Colonoscopy: Virtual colonoscopy is a non-invasive test that uses computed tomography (CT) scans to create detailed images of the colon and rectum (12).

Early Detection

Regular screening tests can help detect rectal cancer at an early stage, when it's easier to treat. The American Cancer Society recommends regular screening tests for everyone with an average risk for rectal cancer starting at age 45 (8).

Chemotherapy, Targeted Therapy, and Immunotherapy for Rectal Cancer

Rectal cancer treatment often involves a combination of therapies to target the cancer cells effectively. Here are some common drug treatments used in rectal cancer:

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy drugs are used to kill cancer cells throughout the body. For rectal cancer, chemotherapy is often given with radiation therapy and surgery. Common chemotherapy drugs for rectal cancer include:
  • 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) [13]
  • Capecitabine [6]
  • Oxaliplatin [6]
  • Irinotecan [6]
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy drugs specifically target the proteins that help cancer cells grow. For rectal cancer, targeted therapy drugs include:
  • Bevacizumab (Avastin) [8], often given with FOLFIRI or FOLFOX
  • Larotrectinib (Vitrakvi) and entrectinib (Rozlytrek), which target the TRK proteins [5]
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy uses the body's immune system to fight cancer. For rectal cancer, immunotherapy may be an option for people with certain gene changes in their cancer cells.

Treatment Approaches

The treatment approach for rectal cancer depends on various factors, including the stage of cancer, overall health, and personal preferences. Treatment options may include:

• Surgery: Surgery is often the most common treatment for rectal cancer, especially if it has not spread.
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy can be used alone or with chemotherapy to target cancer cells in the rectum.
• Cryotherapy and Microwave Treatment: These minimally invasive treatments can also be used to treat rectal cancer.

Clinical Trials

For advanced stages of rectal cancer, clinical trials may offer innovative treatment options. The Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center's Colon and Rectal Cancer Center offers patients access to the most advanced treatments, including personalized gene-based treatments and clinical trials [15].

Please consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice on treating rectal cancer with drug therapy.

Differential Diagnosis of Rectal Cancer

Rectal cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity in symptoms with other conditions. The differential diagnosis of rectal cancer includes several conditions that must be ruled out before a definitive diagnosis is made.

Conditions to Consider:

• Diverticula phlegmon: A condition where diverticula (small pouches) in the colon become inflamed, which can cause similar symptoms to rectal cancer.
• Rectal polyp: A non-cancerous growth in the rectum that can cause bleeding and other symptoms similar to rectal cancer.
• Hypertrophied anal papilla: A condition where the anal papillae (small bumps) become enlarged, which can cause discomfort and bleeding.
• Prostate or cervical malignancy (direct extension): In rare cases, prostate or cervical cancer can spread to the rectum, causing similar symptoms.

Diagnostic Considerations

When diagnosing rectal cancer, it's essential to consider these conditions and rule them out through various diagnostic tests. These may include:

• Imaging tests: Such as CT scans, MRI, or PET scans to visualize the rectum and surrounding tissues.
• Endoscopic procedures: Like colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy to examine the inside of the rectum and identify any abnormalities.
• Biopsy: A tissue sample is taken from the affected area to confirm the presence of cancer cells.

References:

• [1] by S Lotfollahzadeh · 2023 · Cited by 90 — The differential diagnosis of colon cancer includes the following conditions: ... Systemic therapy for colon and rectal cancers is addressed ...
• [5] May 17, 2024 — Rectal cancer often causes bleeding in the rectum. Sometimes the amount of blood is worrying, and treatment might be needed to stop it right away.
• [8] Feb 25, 2023 — rectal carcinoma · rectal polyp · hypertrophied anal papilla · diverticula phlegmon · Prostate or cervical malignancy (direct extension) · amebic ...
• [9] May 17, 2024 — Rectal cancer diagnosis often begins with an imaging test to look at the rectum. A thin, flexible tube with a camera may be passed into the rectum to examine it.

Note: The information provided is based on the search results and should not be considered as medical advice. If you have any concerns or symptoms, please consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.