Rectal Cancer Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

What Is Rectal Cancer?

Also known as colorectal or colon cancer, rectal cancer is the development of cancer in the colon or rectum, which are parts of the larger intestine.

It generally begins as a benign tumor, usually in the form of a polyp, which over the course of time becomes cancerous.

Rectal cancer may be diagnosed by obtaining a sample of the colon during a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy and may be treated differently as per different stages require. The earlier it is diagnosed, the earlier are the chances of survival.

Cancers that are confined within the wall of the colon may be curable with surgery while cancer that has spread widely is usually not curable.

Globally, it is the third most common type of cancer making up about 10% of all cases. It is more common in developed countries, where more than 65% of cases are found.

Causes Of Rectal Cancer:

The exact cause of rectal cancer is not fully understood.

However, it follows the same prognosis as other forms of cancers. A genetic mutation in a DNA results in uncontrollable division of cells present in the lining of the rectum and colon. This leads to the formation of tumors which then may spread to other parts of the body.

Factors which may increase the risk of developing rectal cancer include:

Older age- those above 60 are at a higher risk of developing rectal cancer
Smoking
Alcohol consumption
Inherited genetic disorders
Lack of physical activity
Improper diet- a diet high in red, processed meat and low in fiber
Family history of colon polyps
Exposure to radiation
Inflammatory bowel disease
Crohn’s disease
Ulcerative colitis
Inherited genetic disorders
Familial adenomatous polyposis
Hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer

Symptoms Of Rectal Cancer:

The following signs and symptoms may be exhibited:

Diarrhea
Constipation
Not being able to completely empty the bowel
Change in the size or shape of stools (narrower than usual)
Bloody stool (either bright red or very dark)
Pain in the rectum
Abdominal pain or discomfort
More frequent gas pains or stomach cramps
Feeling bloated or full
Change in appetite
Unintended weight loss
Fatigue or tiredness

Diagnosis Of Rectal Cancer:

Rectal cancer can be diagnosed via the following:

Medical history and physical exam
Digital rectal exam
Colonoscopy
Biopsy
Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test
Immunohistochemistry
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) assay