Rectal cancer
Rectal cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the rectum, the last several inches of the large intestine, terminating in the anus.
Pronunciation
Rectal cancer is pronounced as /ˈrɛktəl ˈkænsər/.
Etymology
The term "rectal" is derived from the Latin word "rectum" which means straight, and "cancer" is derived from the Greek word "karkinos" which means crab or crayfish, due to the crab-like shape of the tumors.
Definition
Rectal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the rectum. It is part of a group of cancers called colorectal cancers, which affect the colon and rectum.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of rectal cancer include changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain, a feeling that the bowel doesn't empty completely, weakness or fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing rectal cancer include age, a diet low in fiber and high in fat and calories, a sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, obesity, smoking, alcohol, a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, and certain inherited syndromes such as Lynch syndrome and Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).
Diagnosis
Rectal cancer is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, blood tests, imaging tests such as CT scan, MRI, and PET scan, and a biopsy obtained during a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.
Treatment
Treatment for rectal cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy. The choice of treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and personal preferences.
Prognosis
The prognosis for rectal cancer depends on several factors, including the stage of the disease at diagnosis, the patient's overall health, and the effectiveness of the treatment.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Rectal cancer
- Wikipedia's article - Rectal cancer
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