Can a colonoscopy detect colon and rectal cancer?

Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 26, 2024
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Colonoscopy can detect colon and rectal cancers. By conducting a colonoscopy, it can be determined whether a space-occupying lesion is in the colon or the rectum. In the workplace, it can also confirm the distance from the anus in centimeters, to guide the next steps of surgical treatment. If a colon or rectal tumor is found during colonoscopy, a pathological biopsy may be needed. Combined with the pathological biopsy, a diagnosis can be made whether the patient has colon cancer or rectal cancer. At the same time, colonoscopy can also detect other diseases, such as colon polyps, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease of the colon, and so on.

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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.

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What are the late-stage symptoms of rectal cancer?

The late-stage symptoms of rectal cancer patients in clinical practice mainly include the following types. The first type is abdominal symptoms caused locally by rectal cancer. For example: bloody stools, pass stools with mucous and pus, anal pain, bloating, abdominal pain, and other manifestations. The second category of symptoms is those from metastases in various locations. For example, bone metastases cause bone pain and limb movement disorders. Lung metastases cause chest tightness, shortness of breath after activity, chest pain, breathing difficulties, coughing and coughing up blood, etc. Brain metastases cause headaches, dizziness, and seizures. The third category of symptoms is mainly systemic symptoms caused by rectal cancer lesions, such as: weight loss, fatigue, and high fever.

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Stage II colorectal cancer

Rectal cancer staging is based on the TNM system. "T" refers to the primary tumor, "N" indicates whether there are lymph node metastases, and "M" indicates the presence of distant metastases. Staging is determined according to these factors. Stage II generally refers to patients with T3, N0, M0, or T4, N0, M0. What does this mean? T3 indicates that the tumor has penetrated the base layer reaching the subserosal layer, or has invaded the tissues adjacent to parts of the colon or rectum that are not covered by peritoneum, which is described as T3. T4 means that the tumor has invaded through the entire bowel wall, perforated the visceral peritoneum, and involved other organs or structures, which is called T4. N0, M0 means there are no lymph node metastases and no distant metastases, such as to the liver or lungs. Such patients are clinically staged as stage II rectal cancer.

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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.

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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.