Subscribe
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.
Can the anus be preserved if the rectal cancer is 3 cm away from the anus?
When rectal cancer is 3cm from the anus, it generally isn't possible to preserve the anus. Currently, the commonly used surgical methods for rectal cancer are the Dixon and Miles techniques. Generally, the threshold is 5cm from the anus; when the tumor is within 5cm of the anus, it often necessitates a Miles procedure, which does not preserve the anus. When the tumor is more than 5cm from the anus, an anus-preserving Dixon procedure can be performed. However, in considering the radical resection of rectal cancer, preserving the anus should not be the primary choice; instead, the main goal should be curative.
Is anal canal cancer considered a type of rectal cancer?
Anal canal cancer can also be considered a type of rectal cancer, specifically the type located near the anus, referred to as anal canal cancer. Generally, anal canal cancer may have a higher malignancy level, and its initial main symptoms include rectal bleeding and changes in stool characteristics, such as narrower stools. There may also be a sensation of heaviness and pain in the anal area. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through a digital rectal examination and a biopsy. If necessary, an anoscopy and other common examinations can be conducted to check for lesions in other parts of the intestine. Generally, the prognosis for anal canal cancer is not as favorable as for other types of rectal or colon cancer.
What is good to eat after rectal cancer surgery?
Patients who have undergone surgery for rectal cancer should pay attention to the following points regarding their diet: First, consume a moderate amount of foods containing monounsaturated fatty acids, such as olive oil and tuna. Second, avoid overheating animal products and vegetable oils during cooking. Third, eat more foods rich in dietary fiber, such as konjac, soy and its products, fresh vegetables and fruits, and algae. Fourth, intake vitamins and trace elements by eating fresh vegetables and fruits to supplement carotene and vitamin C, and consume appropriate amounts of walnuts, peanut milk, products, and seafood to supplement vitamin E. Pay attention to the intake of foods rich in the trace element selenium, such as malt, fish, and mushrooms.
What are the early symptoms of rectal cancer in women?
The early symptoms of female rectal cancer are primarily localized to the rectum. Most patients exhibit symptoms such as bloody stools, recurrent constipation, or alternating occurrences of diarrhea and constipation. Some patients may experience a change in stool characteristics, an increase in the frequency of daily bowel movements, and narrower stools. Additionally, some early-stage patients may exhibit symptoms similar to bacterial dysentery, such as the discharge of mucus and bloody pus in stools, and a feeling of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement. Some female rectal cancer patients may mistake bloody stools for hemorrhoids and consequently avoid seeking medical attention. Early symptoms are not distinctive, and many patients may overlook them, leading to a delay in the early detection of rectal cancer.
What are the early symptoms of rectal cancer?
Early symptoms of rectal cancer include a foreign body sensation in the anus, bloody stools, changes in stool shape, and more. Rectal cancer is a prevalent malignant tumor of the digestive tract in China, originating from the rectal mucosa. The most common pathological type is adenocarcinoma, with other pathological types being relatively rare. Patients exhibiting bloody stools or changes in stool shape should consider the possibility of rectal cancer. Patients suspected of having rectal cancer should undergo a rectal examination and colonoscopy as soon as possible. Abnormal masses in the rectum can be detected during the rectal examination and colonoscopy. Tissue can be taken from the mass for pathological diagnosis. Patients diagnosed with rectal cancer via pathology are primarily treated with surgery, and those who cannot undergo surgery should receive combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment.
Does rectal cancer vomit infect others?
Rectal cancer vomiting is not contagious. The vomiting in rectal cancer is primarily due to the growth of a tumor in the intestine that becomes too large, which then induces intestinal obstruction, causing the patient to vomit and be unable to eat. Furthermore, the vomit is not contagious, and rectal cancer itself is not a contagious disease. For patients with rectal cancer, it is essential to relieve the obstruction as soon as possible and to arrange surgery promptly. If sphincter preservation is possible, it should be attempted. Also, patients with rectal cancer should undergo a pathological biopsy to determine the type of cancer and whether it has spread. Patients with rectal cancer also need to be on a full-liquid diet. Foods with residues should be avoided as much as possible to not easily induce intestinal obstruction, leading to electrolyte disturbances or even causing the body to go into shock. Thus, it is crucial to pay sufficient attention to these issues.
Is rectal bleeding an indication of rectal cancer?
Rectal bleeding is not necessarily colorectal cancer; there are several reasons for rectal bleeding: First, caused by constipation, which leads to difficulty during bowel movements and tearing of the anal mucosa, resulting in bleeding. Second, ulcerative colitis, which commonly presents symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and blood and mucus in the stool. Third, rectal or colon cancer, where the main symptoms also include abdominal pain, changes in stool characteristics, and rectal bleeding. Fourth, ischemic bowel disease, generally seen in older patients with some cardiovascular and ischemic diseases, where symptoms mainly include significant abdominal pain and rectal bleeding. Therefore, not all cases of rectal bleeding are due to rectal cancer; there are many causes, and it is essential to diagnose clearly before treatment.
Early symptoms of rectal cancer
The early symptoms of rectal cancer generally include the following aspects: many patients experience changes in their bowel habits, such as prolonged diarrhea, prolonged constipation, or alternating occurrences of diarrhea and constipation. Some patients also experience changes in the characteristics of their stools, with stools becoming thinner and more watery due to increased bowel movements. Additionally, some patients may excrete stools mixed with mucus, pus, and blood, or stools that contain blood, and may experience a feeling of urgency followed by a sensation of incomplete evacuation. Some patients also feel itching or a dull pain in the anal area. Moreover, the early symptoms of rectal cancer are not very prominent, and many patients can easily confuse them with benign rectal diseases such as hemorrhoids and anal fissures. This confusion leads many patients not to seek medical attention, and by the time symptoms like significant pain and lumps appear, the disease is typically in its intermediate or advanced stages.