Should a person with rectum cancer undergo screening? The process is similar to that of colon cancer. Screening tests determine the stage of the cancer and the spread of the cancer. The doctor can determine whether the cancer is localized or has spread to other parts of the body through the rectum or to nearby organs. An x-ray is a procedure that uses an energy beam to visualize the inside of the body.
If the cancer has spread to the rectum, it may be treated with a surgical procedure called rectum exenteration. During this procedure, the lower colon, rectum, bladder, cervix, vagina, ovaries, and nearby lymph nodes are removed. After surgery, artificial openings are created to direct urine out of the body to a collection bag. If cancer spreads to lymph nodes, it will be removed as well.
Several risk factors are involved in the development of rectum cancer, including Crohn’s disease, chronic ulcerative colitis, and alcohol use. During colonoscopy, a polyp may be identified. The doctor may perform further tests to assess whether the tumor has spread to other parts of the body. Patients with rectum cancer may be placed on active surveillance, which means that they will be monitored regularly with colonoscopy, digital rectal examination, and MRIs.
Surgical treatment for rectal cancer depends on the size of the tumor and its location. Patients with rectal cancer that has spread to nearby organs will need a colostomy, an opening in the belly through which waste can be removed. In these cases, the patient may need to have colostomy surgery for the rest of their lives. If cancer has spread to other organs, the patient may have to undergo more surgery to remove the rectum.
In some cases, rectal cancer is asymptomatic at first. Some people may experience bleeding or changes in their bowel habits. Other symptoms of the condition include pelvic pain, unexplained weight loss, and feeling tired all the time. If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, it may cause other symptoms, such as iron-deficiency anemia. When this happens, it is best to seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
During a sigmoidoscope or colonoscopy, doctors can examine the colon using a thin tube that has a camera and light. They can collect tissue samples for lab examination. If a polyp or mass is detected, a biopsy can be performed. If the tissue samples are cancerous, they will be tested for gene mutations associated with colorectal cancer. Using a CT scan is another way to detect rectum cancer.
