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Rectal cancer
Is a faint pain below the center of the lower abdomen indicative of rectal cancer?
There is a vague pain just below the middle of the lower abdomen, and although there is a possibility of rectal cancer, it is not necessarily certain to be rectal cancer. There are many reasons for pain in this area; common causes to consider include intestinal infection or intestinal spasms and obstruction. Tumors can also cause pain in this area. In women, pain just below the middle of the lower abdomen also needs to exclude the possibility of pelvic inflammatory disease or gynecological inflammation, etc. It is necessary to complete examinations such as a color ultrasound and an upright abdominal plain film for confirmation. If the pain occurs repeatedly, further examinations including a complete blood count, inflammatory markers, and other relevant inflammation tests should also be completed for a clear diagnosis.
How to distinguish between anal fissure and rectal cancer causing rectal bleeding
In clinical practice, to differentiate between rectal bleeding caused by anal fissures and that caused by rectal cancer, we can consider the following aspects. Firstly, rectal bleeding caused by anal fissures is generally accompanied by pain in the anal area, and the bleeding is especially severe after defecation, with blood attached to the surface of the stool. In contrast, rectal bleeding caused by rectal cancer rarely accompanies pain in the anal area, and the blood is generally mixed with the stool. Secondly, rectal bleeding from anal fissures is usually due to hard stools, and improving the condition of hard stools, along with providing local anti-inflammatory treatment, usually relieves the symptoms of bleeding. However, in the case of rectal cancer, besides hard stools, patients may also experience an increase in the frequency of defecation and signs of diarrhea, and typical anti-inflammatory treatments are not notably effective.
How to rule out the possibility of rectal cancer
Common symptoms of rectal cancer include abdominal pain, changes in stool characteristics, and rectal bleeding. These symptoms could suggest the possibility of rectal cancer. An initial examination can be conducted via a digital rectal exam to preliminarily exclude rectal cancer. If a mass is felt during the digital rectal exam, a high suspicion of rectal cancer should be maintained. Additionally, a colonoscopy can be performed for a definitive diagnosis. If a mass on the rectal mucosa is observed during the colonoscopy, a biopsy can be conducted for histopathological examination to determine the nature of the mass. Generally, if the surface of the mass is uneven, brittle, and bleeds easily, the likelihood of malignancy is high while a smooth surface suggests a greater possibility of benignity.
Can you eat edamame after rectal cancer surgery?
Patients with rectal cancer can eat edamame after surgery. However, they should pay attention to the following dietary advice post-surgery: First, eat less or avoid animal fats, which means limiting the intake of saturated fatty acids. Second, even the consumption of vegetable oils should be limited. Third, do not eat fried foods. Fourth, during cooking, oils should not be overheated. Fifth, eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits.
Can colorectal cancer be inherited?
Can rectal cancer be inherited? Rectal cancer is a relatively common type of malignant tumor in the rectum. Genetic factors are among the causes of rectal cancer, but they are not absolute. The proportion of genetic factors in the occurrence of rectal cancer is relatively small. Most causes are related to inhalative lesions of the rectum, and also linked to the patient's lifestyle, bowel habits, etc., which can lead to the occurrence of rectal cancer. So, there is a genetic component, but the likelihood is low. Therefore, for patients with familial hereditary diseases or families where multiple people have rectal cancer, it is important to conduct timely re-examinations with colonoscopies or to perform some genetic screening.
Could having blood in the stool for five years be rectal cancer?
If there has been blood in the stool for five years, whether it's colorectal cancer or not, this can only be confirmed through a colonoscopy. Furthermore, pathological tissue analysis and biopsy are necessary to make a definitive diagnosis. Pathological examination is the gold standard for diagnosing cancer. If cancerous changes are present, surgical treatment should be undertaken promptly to prevent the spread of cancer cells. If there are no malignant changes, symptomatic treatment measures can be adopted. Conditions such as chronic colitis, ulcerative colitis, or hemorrhoids could also cause blood in the stool.
Is anal pain and rectal bleeding indicative of rectal cancer?
Pain in the anal area, accompanied by blood in the stool, does not necessarily indicate rectal cancer. There are many causes of pain and bloody stools, which require identification and diagnosis through the color of the bloody stools, digital rectal examination, and colonoscopy. Common causes of bright red bloody stools or pain are mainly due to hemorrhoids and anal fissures. During the onset of rectal cancer, early stages generally do not involve pain in the anal area. It is mainly characterized by changes in bowel habits, or dark red blood in the stool in the middle to late stages. The tumor may grow larger, causing difficulty in defecation, and may even induce systemic symptoms such as weight loss, anemia, and intestinal obstruction.
What are the differences between colon cancer and rectal cancer?
The fundamental difference between colon cancer and rectal cancer lies in their locations of occurrence. Both are collectively referred to as colorectal cancer, which is one of the more prevalent malignancies of the digestive system in China. Colon cancer originates from the mucosa of the colon, while rectal cancer originates from the mucosa of the rectum, with different points of origin. In terms of treatment, there are significant differences between colon and rectal cancer. In surgical treatment, both cancers typically require surgery as the first choice. However, patients with colon cancer can preserve their anus, whereas some patients with low rectal cancer might face situations where anus preservation is not possible. In internal medicine, the chemotherapy drugs used for colon and rectal cancer are quite similar. In terms of radiation therapy, there are notable differences; radiation treatment is generally not included for colon cancer but is an important treatment method for rectal cancer.
How to detect colorectal cancer early
In clinical practice, to detect colorectal cancer early, screening should be prioritized for individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer. This generally involves tests for tumor markers and colonoscopy examinations. The tumor markers include carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen 724, carbohydrate antigen 199, and carbohydrate antigen 125, among others. Colonoscopy examinations should be conducted annually. Furthermore, for individuals with colorectal polyps, yearly colonoscopy is especially recommended to detect early stages of colon cancer. Similarly, for individuals suffering from chronic inflammatory diseases of the colon and rectum such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, colonoscopy examinations should also be performed to facilitate early detection of colorectal cancer.
Is rectal cancer hereditary?
This answer is also possible, as one of the causes of any cancer includes the possibility of genetics. However, this possibility is generally small and not everyone is likely to have it. It also depends on the incidence of disease within the entire family. If one is in a high-risk category due to certain genetic factors, then it is crucial to have regular and thorough follow-up checks. Some people might even try treatments specifically targeting genetically inherited colorectal cancer.