Rectal Cancer

Rectum is 5 to 6 inches long part of the large intestine. It starts after the colon and ends at the anus.  It is the storehouse of the stool until the moment of bowel movement. Rectal cancer is a malignant type of cancer that forms in the wall of the rectum. When malignant cells develop in the lining or epithelium of the rectum and it loses its normal growth, it is called rectal cancer. These cells have the characteristic of invasion and spreading to other parts of the body. It gradually invades the nearby lymph nodes and spreads to adjoining organs in the pelvic region, such as the ovaries or the prostate.

Types of Rectal Cancer :

The types of rectal cancer depend on the cell types. The histological types of rectal cancer are :

  • Adenocarcinoma (most rectal cases): It has two types namely Mucinous (colloid) adenocarcinoma and Signet ring adenocarcinoma.
  • Scirrhous tumors
  • Neuroendocrine
  • Carcinoid tumors

Symptoms of Rectal Cancer :

One should have knowledge of the risk factors of rectal cancer as it is the third common cancer. The risk factors are those of who have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps,  patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease,  lifestyle factors such as- a diet high in fat and red meat,  low intake of fruits and vegetables, high caloric intake, lack of physical workouts, obesity, smoking and excessive alcohol intake, etc.

Though initially the symptoms are not distinct, the late stage symptoms of rectal cancer are :

  • Bright red blood present with stool
  • Abdominal distention (stretching from internal pressure),
  • Bloating
  • Inability to have a bowel movement
  • Unnatural tendency of bowel movement
  • Narrowing of the stool, so-called ribbon stools
  • Pelvic pain
  • Weight loss
  • Persistent chronic fatigue
  • Urinary infection or passage of air in urine in males (late symptom and it is rare)
  • Passage of feces through vagina in females(late symptom)

Treatment of Rectal Cancer :

The treatment of the rectal cancer depends on the diagnosis results and the types and stage of the cancer. The diagnosis procedures of rectal cancer are digital rectal exam (DRE), fecal occult blood testing, colonoscopy, CT scans, MRIs, and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and sigmoidoscopy. After the confirmation of the rectal cancer in diagnosis, the clinical stage is started by the doctors. The types of treatment for rectal cancer are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Surgery is the most common treatment for rectal cancer, but it can be done in the initial stage. Patients in the stage of ii and iii are treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

The medical industry of India is developing tremendously with the modern infrastructure and resources. So for foreigners’ medical treatments in India is a common phenomenon in medial tourism. The most desired reason is that India offers medical treatments including cancer treatment at an affordable price. We offer medical treatments under the umbrella of the Apollo Hospitals with our medical team. One will get free consultation from our experts and immediate treatment without waiting for the waiting periods.