Cancer of the rectum (rectal cancer) | Cause, diagnosis, symptoms and treatment

Here you can learn more about cancer of the rectum, as well as associated symptoms, cause and various diagnoses of colorectal cancer and colorectal cancer. Cancer of the rectum can be fatal in later stages, so symptoms from the intestines and bowel problems should always be taken seriously. Follow and like us too Our Facebook page for free, daily health updates.

For cancer of the rectum, refer to the area of ​​the lower colon and down to the anus - and that this area is affected by cancer. The most characteristic symptom of rectal cancer is bleeding from the rectum - and other common symptoms include anemia (iron deficiency - for example due to bleeding, fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, changes in heart rate, digestive problems, small stools and accidental weight loss.

In this article you will learn more about what may be the cause of colorectal cancer, rectal cancer, as well as various symptoms and diagnoses of rectal tumor.

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Cause and diagnosis: Why do you get cancer of the rectum and rectal cancer?

Rectal cancer normally develops over several years - and often starts as a polyp growth that later turns into cancer and then begins to work its way into the intestinal walls of the rectum.

Risk factors for developing rectal cancer

You are somewhat uncertain as to what is the main cause of rectal cancer, but you know that there are a number of risk factors that increase your chance of being affected:

• Age: The older you get, the better your chances of getting rectal cancer.
• Poor diet: A diet high in poor fat and processed foods can increase your chances of being affected by rectal cancer.
• Family history of cancer.
• Known bowel disease: Those who are regularly afflicted with digestive problems and irritable bowel are more often affected.
• smoking: Those who smoke have a higher chance of getting cancer.

Family history with such cancer is a clear risk factor for being affected by this cancer variant. If you have a family member who has been affected, you should check the rectum and colon with a visual endoscopy (flexible tube with a camera on the tip that is inserted into the rectum). This should be started at an age that is 10 years earlier than the age at which the family member was affected - or at the age of 50. Such checks are the best way to prevent colorectal cancer.

Symptoms of rectal cancer

Early stages of rectal cancer usually do not produce any symptoms at all. But in later stages, symptoms tend to occur as follows:

• Bleeding from the anus (the most characteristic symptom of rectal cancer - if you experience this you should contact your doctor)
• Changed, frequent heartbeat
• Digestive system changes (diarrhea, increased gas content, smaller stool size)
• Iron deficiency (anemia)
• Shortness of breath
• Lightness
• Intestinal blockages: A tumor in the rectum can grow and become so large that it physically prevents normal bowel movements. This can result in a change in the size of the stool - and especially that it is thinner than normal
• Accidental weight loss: Cancer can lead to weight loss. If you experience weight loss - even without 'losing weight' or exercising extra lately - then you should see your doctor for an examination.
• Exhaustion

Also read: Pain in the rectum?

Prevention of rectal cancer

There are no preventive measures that can guarantee that you will not be affected by cancer of the rectum, but there are certain things you can do to reduce the chance of you being affected by this cancer.

We advise you to:

• If you drink alcohol - do it only in moderate and limited amounts. If you love alcohol with a high alcohol content, it is especially important that you try to limit your intake.
• Stop smoking - or do not start at all. Smoking is very addictive due to the fact that tobacco contains substances (such as nicotine) that give a temporary feeling of happiness, so it can be difficult to quit. Collaborate with family, friends and your GP to give yourself the best possible conditions for quitting smoking. There are also good applications that have proven to work well for many.
• Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables. Diets with a healthy content of vitamins and antioxidants can help prevent you from developing rectal cancer.

Also read: - This is the Best Diet for those with Fibromyalgia

Diagnosis of rectal cancer

As mentioned earlier, it is only the control and removal of tissue growth (before they have been transformed into cancer) that can prevent this cancer variant.

Such screenings may include:

• Imaging diagnostic examination: MRI, CT and X-ray can be used to see if and if possible how far the cancer has spread.
• Blood tests: There is especially one special factor you look for called CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) - this is an antibody that you will be able to see in higher content if you are affected by cancer of the rectum.
• Endoscopy: Using a flexible tube with a camera on the tip, you can see how the anus and rectum look inside. This tube is inserted through the rectum and further into the anus to check for abnormalities or tumors.
• Physical examination: The doctor can examine the rectum physically using a finger that he raises to check for abnormalities in the rectum - such as physical growths or the like.
• Rectal blood tests: Rectal cancer can, in the early stages, damage the blood vessels in the walls of the rectum and thus cause minor bleeding into the stool. These bleedings are then still at such a level that it does not change what the stool looks like - but in special tests the doctor can analyze a stool sample to see if it contains blood and certain factors seen in rectal cancer. Research has shown that this test can show if you have rectal cancer in as many as 95% of cases.
• Rectal Diagnostic Ultrasound Examination: An ultrasound machine uses sound waves to create a picture of what it looks like in the area you are scanning. In a rectal ultrasound, the doctor uses a special probe attached to the tip of a flexible tube that allows the clinician to see how deep the cancer has spread. Such a study also allows visualization of lymph nodes and whether these are swollen or enlarged.
• Rectal tissue samples: Upon detection of a cancerous tumor, physical tissue samples will be taken inside the rectum to analyze the cells of the cancerous tumor.

Different stages of colorectal cancer

Cancer is divided into different degrees that show how far a cancer type has progressed and different grading criteria. This is done using Roman numerals from the first stage (I) to the most severe stage (IV). Thus grades 1 to 4.

The four degrees of rectal cancer are:

Stage I: The cancerous tumor is only in the first or second layer of tissue in the wall of the rectum - and it is also seen that it has not spread to lymph nodes.

Stage II: The cancerous tumor has penetrated deeper into the tissue layers that make up the wall of the rectum. The cancer has still not spread to lymph nodes.

Stage III: The cancer has now spread to lymph nodes. This stage can be further subdivided into subcategories that show how much cancer has penetrated the tissues of the rectum.

Stage IV: Grade four indicates that the cancer has spread to other places and organs in the body. This is called rectal cancer with metastasis (spread).

Treatment of rectal cancer

The treatment for colorectal cancer is based on a number of different factors - such as where the cancer itself is located, what kind of cells are involved and at what stage the cancer is in (as mentioned above). You choose the treatment or methods you think are best suited for you based on your medical history, immune status and personal wishes. We draw attention again to the important preventive measures we mentioned earlier in the article - and that a diet with a significant content of antioxidants can be involved in the treatment of cancer.

Surgery and surgical removal of the cancerous tumor: In stage 1 of rectal cancer, removing the cancerous tumor itself is most likely the only thing you need.

Radiation therapy and chemotherapy: In later stages of cancer, when the cancer has spread deeper into the rectal tissue (stage II) or further into the lymph nodes (stage III) - it is often the case that, after surgical removal of the tumor, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are followed up to reduce the chance of the cancer coming back.

In metastasis (stage IV) there is talk of spreading to other places in the body and organs. At this stage, only cell toxins are used primarily in larger doses. Unfortunately, there is no cure for cancer of the rectum as of today.

Also read: - 6 Early Signs of Stomach Cancer

Summarizeringing

You can reduce the chance of developing cancer by cutting out the smoke, reducing the intake of alcohol, as well as focusing on a good diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Contact your doctor for an examination if you are bothered with symptoms as mentioned in this article.

Do you have questions about the article or do you need more tips? Ask us directly via our facebook page or via the comment box below.

Recommended self help

Reusable Gel Combination Gasket (Heat and Cold Gasket): Heat can increase blood circulation to tight and sore muscles - but in other situations, with more acute pain, cooling is recommended, as it reduces the transmission of pain signals. Due to the fact that these can also be used as a cold pack to calm swelling, we recommend these.

Read more here (opens in new window): Reusable Gel Combination Gasket (Heat & Cold Gasket)

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