Early signs of rectal cancer

The rectum is the last part of the large intestine before it comes out. Rectal cancer arises from the lining of the intestinal wall and is the third most common cancer in both men and women. Fortunately, this disease is highly curable if detected at an early stage when the patient himself recognizes the signs of rectal cancer, early examination and aggressive treatment.

The rectum and colon make up the entire structure of the large intestine. Accordingly, the rectum is the last segment of the large intestine and connects the colonic framework to the anus. Rectal cancer is a common type of cancer in the digestive tract that occurs when cells in the rectum mutate and grow out of control.
The risk of rectal cancer increases with age. The average age of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer is 68, mostly in men. However, the risk of rectal cancer can be reduced and the disease can be prevented or detected early with regular checkups and lifestyle changes, such as exercise, and eating less red and processed meat. through processing, eat more fiber and fresh vegetables, quit smoking and reduce alcohol use.

The cause of rectal cancer is still unknown but in most cases the risk of developing the disease increases with age and more than 90% of people with this disease are diagnosed after the age of 50. People with a family history of colorectal cancer or certain inherited cancer syndromes have a higher risk of developing the disease. Other known risk factors for rectal cancer include:
Diet Smoking Alcohol use Sedentary lifestyle Obesity Diabetes Ulcerative colitis Colorectal polyps Cancer of other organs .

Many patients have absolutely no idea what the signs of colon cancer are until they've been diagnosed. Indeed, not a few cases are detected during routine health checkups.
However, signs of rectal cancer sometimes go unnoticed, such as changes in bowel habits, including constipation or diarrhea, narrow-shaped stools or blood in stool. You may also have pelvic or lower abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or feel tired all the time.
However, other common health problems can also cause similar symptoms. For example, hemorrhoids do not cause rectal cancer, but it is possible to have the above symptoms. Therefore, anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. Abdominal pain and weight loss are often late symptoms, suggesting that the malignancy has spread.

Colonoscopy: An examination of the rectum using a scope, inserted into the rectum.
Colonoscopy : A procedure to look inside the rectum as well as the entire large intestine for polyps, abnormal lesions, or cancer.
Biopsy: Taking a piece of cell or tissue to look at under a microscope to check for signs of cancer.
Besides, once the diagnosis has been confirmed, the patient will need to perform other tests to divide the stage, such as:
CT scan: accurately detects the presence of most cancer cells the letter has spread outside the rectum.
MRI scan: determine if the tumor has spread through the wall of the rectum and if it has invaded nearby structures.
Endoscopic ultrasound: a procedure in which an endoscope or rigid probe is inserted into the body through the rectum.

For a complete cure, patients almost always have to have surgery to remove the rectal cancer. Depending on the location and stage, this can be done through the anus (opening the rectum) or through the abdominal wall. Rectal cancer surgery removes the cancer and lymph nodes, along with a small portion of the normal rectum on either side of the tumor. Colectomy (opening the anus on the skin) is usually only indicated in a very small number of patients.
Surgeons may use minimally invasive surgical techniques depending on certain features of the cancer. At the same time, the intervention protocol is always discussed with the patient and family before surgery. In addition, adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be indicated before or after surgery, depending on the stage of the cancer.
After treatment for rectal cancer, the patient will be monitored with a blood test to measure the level of CEA (a substance that can increase in the blood during cancer) to see if the cancer has returned. In addition, periodic CT scans, physical examination, and colonoscopy were also performed at intervals determined by the stage of rectal cancer.

Rectal cancer is one of the preventable malignancies. Nearly all rectal cancers develop from rectal polyps, which are benign tumors on the lining of the rectum. Accordingly, the detection and removal of these polyps by endoscopic methods will help reduce the risk of rectal cancer.
Therefore, doctors can make precise recommendations for rectal cancer screening based on individual medical and family history, usually starting at age 45. However, in these patients In patients with one or more risk factors, screening should be initiated at a younger age.
Although it has not been proven definitively, there is some evidence that diet may play an important role in preventing colorectal cancer. Specifically, a diet rich in fiber (whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts) and low in fat, limiting red meat consumption is one of the proven measures to help prevent colorectal cancer.
In short, the signs of rectal cancer can be difficult to detect initially or even completely absent. By the time the patient can recognize the signs of rectal cancer, this malignancy may already be more advanced and metastasize. For this reason, depending on the individual's age, family history, and other risk factors, general colorectal cancer screening measures, routine physical It is always recommended to do so, in order to ensure longevity and quality of life in the long run.