In this procedure, the cancer is removed along with a small portion of healthy tissue. Another type of surgery is resection, which involves the removal of the entire rectum and some healthy tissue. The lymph nodes near the rectum are also inspected to see if they are cancerous.
The rectum is part of the digestive tract, which helps the body absorb nutrients from food and pass waste material out. The digestive system is comprised of the esophagus, the stomach, and the small and large intestines. The large intestine is comprised of two parts, the colon and the rectum. The colon is about 5 feet long and is made up of the first two parts. The rectum is the final portion, which is about six to eight inches long and ends at the anus. Your risk for rectal cancer depends on your age and family health history.
Besides performing a physical examination and colonoscopy, doctors can also conduct other tests. A digital rectal examination, a procedure which is specific for detecting rectal cancer, involves inserting a gloved finger into the rectum and feeling for abnormal growths and strictures. Other screening tests are similar to those used for colon cancer, and they include a sigmoidoscopy and a fecal occult blood test.
Colorectal cancer, which starts in the colon, is a common condition. It typically begins as benign polyps on the inner lining of the colon. If left untreated, these polyps can develop into cancer. The disease is generally caused by a combination of factors. Genetics and smoking are among the risk factors, as is a family history of colon or rectal cancer. Men are more likely to develop rectal cancer than women.
Physical exams for colon and rectum cancer are the first step in diagnosis. During these exams, a lubricated finger is placed into the rectum, where the echoes will form a picture of the body tissues. The sonogram will help a doctor identify tumors by looking at the images. This procedure is known as transrectal ultrasound, and it can also be used to examine the lymphatic system. A probe is passed through the lymph vessels, allowing the doctor to see any tumors.
Exercise and diet are also important preventative measures. People aged 50 years and older, with a history of colon or rectum cancer, should consider regular screening. A healthy weight, regular exercise, and a nutritional diet are also important. Diets should include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats such as avocado, whole grains, and plenty of fibre. The inverse relationship was also observed among people with colon or rectum cancer and those with lower BMI.
Treatment for rectal cancer differs depending on the type of cancer. Some of the standard treatments for rectal cancer are surgery and chemotherapy. Some are standard treatments while others are being tested in clinical trials. The purpose of these trials is to develop new treatment options and improve current treatments. Those that prove to be effective may become standard treatments. Some of these therapies have limited effects on healthy cells. For example, chemotherapy and radiation therapy use multiple types of drugs.
