Rectal cancer explained clearly - causes, symptoms and effective steps for patients
What is rectal cancer and how does it develop?
Rectal carcinoma is a malignant change in cells in the rectum, the lower part of the large intestine. The exact cause is often unclear, but certain risk factors such as genetic predisposition, age and inflammatory bowel disease can play a role.
Symptoms of rectal cancer:
- Blood in the stool: visible blood or tarry stools
- Changes in bowel movements: Diarrhea or constipation, thinner stools
- Abdominal pain: Unpleasant feeling of pressure or pain in the abdominal area
- Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss for no apparent reason.
Causes and risk factors:
- Age: The risk increases with age
- Family predisposition: A family history of bowel cancer can increase the risk
- Inflammatory bowel disease: Chronic inflammation in the bowel can increase the risk.
Proven measures for the treatment of rectal cancer:
- Endoscopic resection: within narrow limits, endoscopic resection using full-thickness resection or the ESD technique is possible in the early stages
- Surgical interventions: surgery may be necessary to remove the tumor.
- Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy can be used before or after surgery to control tumor growth.
- Chemotherapy: Drugs are used to destroy cancer cells or slow down their growth.
- Aftercare and check-ups: Regular medical check-ups are crucial to monitor progression and react early to any changes.
When to seek medical help? Seek medical help immediately if you notice symptoms of rectal cancer. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve the chances of success.
Conclusion: Rectal cancer requires a comprehensive approach. If you have any further questions or uncertainties, we will be happy to assist you as a reliable partner.