Conclusions: Until prevention of colorectal cancer is more common, we must continue to rely on clinical findings for detecting this cancer. Our results will remind physicians to keep colorectal cancer on the differential diagnosis of "chronic" gastrointestinal symptoms, and our decision rule may prompt earlier investigation with colonoscopy. Abstract Objective: Most colorectal cancers still present with symptoms because screening, although effective, is not yet widely practiced. What is rectal cancer?
The risk of rectal cancer may be reduced, and the disease may be prevented or caught early, with regular examinations and lifestyle changes, such as: Exercising Eating less red and processed meat and more fiber and vegetables Quitting smoking Reducing alcohol use Learn more about colorectal cancer Causes and risk factors for rectal cancer The cause of rectal cancer is unknown, but the risk of developing the disease increases with age.
Other known risk factors for rectal cancer include: Diet Smoking Alcohol use Sedentary lifestyle Obesity Diabetes Learn more about risk factors for colorectal cancer Signs and symptoms of rectal cancer Rectal cancer may show no obvious symptoms in early stages.
Symptoms of metastatic rectal cancer may include: Persistent cough Fatigue Bone pain Shortness of breath Loss of appetite Jaundice Swelling in the hands and feet Changes in vision or speech Learn more about colorectal cancer symptoms Types of rectal cancer Rectal adenocarcinoma: Most rectal cancers—about 95 percent—are adenocarcinoma. Other types of rectal cancer include: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors Carcinoid tumors Lymphoma Learn more about colorectal cancer types Diagnosing and staging rectal cancer A variety of laboratory and imaging tests may be used to diagnose cancer of the rectum and determine the stage of the disease.
Commonly used procedures and tools include: Laboratory tests , such as blood tests and advance genomic testing Biopsy Colonoscopy Imaging tests , such as MRI, CT scan and ultrasound These tests may also be used to monitor your response to treatment. Learn more about colorectal cancer stages and diagnostic procedures Rectal cancer treatments Treatment for rectal cancer often depends on the stage of the disease and the extent to which it has developed.
Treatment options include: Surgery Immunotherapy Chemotherapy Radiation therapy Targeted therapy Clinical trials If cancer of the rectum is found early, active surveillance may be an option for some patients. Learn more about treatment options for colorectal cancer Integrative care for rectal cancer Rectal cancer symptoms and the side effects of treatment may impact your quality of life.
For rectal cancer patients, these services may include: Nutritional support Pain management Mind-body support Spiritual support Learn more about integrative care Get expert advice and care Understanding when symptoms are a sign of something serious and either diagnosing the disease or confirming a previous diagnosis require expertise from professionals trained and experienced in treating rectal cancer. Search our experts. Donate to Gateway for Cancer Research Make a difference in the fight against cancer by donating to cancer research.
Donate now. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references AskMayoExpert. Colorectal cancer: Screening and management adult. Mayo Clinic; Rectal cancer. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Accessed April 21, Niederhuber JE, et al. Cancer of the rectum. In: Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. Elsevier; Accessed April 20, Bleday R, et al.
Rectal cancer: Surgical techniques. Accessed April 23, Rectal cancer treatment PDQ. National Cancer Institute. Holman FA, et al. Results of a pooled analysis of IOERT containing multimodality treatment for locally recurrent rectal cancer: Results of patients of two major treatment centers.
Other tests, such as MRI scans, x-rays and blood tests may also be done to look at how big the cancer is and whether it has spread. If you have colon or rectal cancer, treatment depends on which type of cancer it is, how big it is, and whether it has spread. Treatment may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy. Many people get more than one type of treatment. Here is a list of questions to ask your doctor that you can take with you.
The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team. Our team is made up of doctors and oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as journalists, editors, and translators with extensive experience in medical writing. American Cancer Society news stories are copyrighted material and are not intended to be used as press releases.
For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy. Do I Have Colorectal Cancer? Signs, Symptoms and Work-Up. Written By: Medical Content Team.
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