Overview
Rectal cancer is a kind of cancer that starts as a growth of cells in the rectum. The rectum is the last several inches of the large intestine. It starts at the end of the final segment of the colon and ends when it reaches the short, narrow passage known as the anus.
Cancer inside the rectum and cancer inside the colon are often referred to together as colorectal cancer.
While rectal and colon cancers are similar in many ways, their treatments are quite different. This is mainly because the rectum is barely separated from other organs and structures. It sits in a tight space that can make surgery to remove rectal cancer complex.
Rectal cancer treatment usually involves surgery to remove the cancer. Other treatments may include chemotherapy, radiation or a combination of the two. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy also may be used.
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Symptoms
Rectal cancer may not cause symptoms early on. Symptoms of rectal cancer usually happen when the disease is advanced.
Signs and symptoms of rectal cancer include:
- A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation or a more-frequent need to pass stool.
- A feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty completely.
- Abdominal pain.
- Dark maroon or bright red blood in stool.
- Narrow stool.
- Weight loss that happens without trying.
- Weakness or fatigue.
When to see a doctor
Make an appointment with your doctor or other healthcare professional if you have any symptoms that worry you.
