Understanding Rectal Cancer: Causes, Symptoms & Modern Treatments

What is Rectal Cancer?

Rectal cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the rectum, which is the last portion of the large intestine that ends at the anus. It is a malignant tumor that grows in the lining of the rectum and can spread to nearby lymph nodes and other organs. Rectal cancer is a severe and potentially life-threatening disease that can be treated successfully if detected early.

Types of Rectal Cancer

Different types of rectal cancer are determined by the type of cells involved in the tumor. The most rectal cancer is adenocarcinoma, which accounts for more than 95% of all rectal cancer cases. Other types of rectal cancer include squamous cell carcinoma, neuroendocrine tumors, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs).

Adenocarcinoma cancer develops in the cells that produce mucus and other fluids in the rectum. Squamous cell carcinoma, on the other hand, originates in the cells that builds up the lining of the rectum. Neuroendocrine tumors, also known as carcinoid tumors, grow in the hormone-producing cells of the rectum. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare tumors that develop in the connective tissue cells of the rectum.

How Does Rectal Cancer Occur?

Rectal cancer occurs when abnormal cell growth is uncontrolled in the rectum. These abnormal cells can form a mass, also known as a tumor, in the rectum. Over time, these cancerous cells can spread to nearby lymph nodes and other organs, such as the liver and lungs.

The exact cause of rectal cancer is not known. However, certain risk factors have been identified which can increase a person's chances of developing rectal cancer. These risk factors include:

• Age: The risk of developing rectal cancer increases with age. Most cases of rectal cancer occur in people over the age of 50.

• Family history: Patients with a family history of rectal cancer or other types of cancer, such as colon cancer, are at an increased risk of developing rectal cancer.

• Personal history of colon cancer: People with colon cancer are also at an increased risk of developing rectal cancer.

• Inflammatory bowel disease: Individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, are at an increased risk of developing rectal cancer.

• Diet: A diet high in red meat and processed foods and low in fiber can increase the risk of developing rectal cancer.

• Smoking and alcohol consumption: Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing rectal cancer.

Rectal Cancer Symptoms

Rectal cancer symptoms can vary depending on the stage and location of the cancer. Some common symptoms of rectal cancer include:

• A change in bowel habits, including diarrhea, constipation, or a change in stool consistency.

• Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding

• Abdominal pain or cramping

• Unexplained weight loss

• Weakness or fatigue

If someone experiences any of these symptoms, they must see a doctor as soon as possible.

Diagnosis of Rectal Cancer

Diagnosing rectal cancer often involves a combination of tests, including:

• Physical exam: A doctor will examine the rectum and anus to look for signs of cancer.

• Digital rectal exam (DRE): A doctor will insert a gloved, lubricated finger to check for lumps or other abnormalities in the rectum.

• Colonoscopy: A flexible, lighted tube with a camera is used to examine the rectum and colon.

• Biopsy: A small tissue sample is taken as a sample from the rectal lining and analyzed in a lab to check for cancer.

Early-Stage Anorectal Cancer Treatment

For early-stage anorectal cancer, which is cancer that has not spread beyond the rectum or anus, there are several treatment options, including:

• Surgery: It helps in removing the tumor is the most common treatment for early-stage anorectal cancer. Radiation therapy may sometimes be used before or after surgery to shrink the tumor and prevent a recurrence.

• Radiation therapy: The therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. It is often used in combination with surgery to treat early-stage anorectal cancer.

• Chemotherapy: It uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be combined with radiation therapy to treat early-stage anorectal cancer.

Advanced Stage Rectal Cancer Treatment

For advanced-stage rectal cancer treatment, which is cancer that has spread to close lymph nodes or other organs, options may include:

• Surgery: Surgery to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue is often the first treatment for advanced-stage rectal cancer. Surgery may involve removing the entire rectum or anus, depending on the location and stage of the tumor.

• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy may be used before or after surgery to shrink the tumor and prevent a recurrence.

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is used in combination with radiation therapy or as a standalone treatment to shrink the tumor and slow the cancer progression.

• Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy includes drugs to target specific genes or proteins in cancer cells. It may be used in combination with chemotherapy to treat advanced-stage rectal cancer.

• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy stimulates the body's immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. The immune system has the ability to identify and destroy abnormal cells, including cancer cells. However, cancer cells can evade detection by the immune system by producing specific proteins that suppress the immune response. Immunotherapy drugs block these proteins, allowing the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.

Conclusion

Rectal cancer is a severe condition that requires prompt treatment. If you experience rectal cancer symptoms, you must see a doctor as soon as possible. With early diagnosis and immediate treatment, the outlook for rectal cancer is generally favorable. The treatment options available today can help patients achieve a good quality of life and even cure the disease.