What is Rectum?
The Rectum is a part of the human digestive system. The digestive system takes in nutrients from food and helps to eliminate waste from the body. The digestive system is made up of the esophagus, stomach, and the intestines. The first portion of the large intestine is called as colon. And rectum, together with the anal canal, makes up the last portion of the large intestine.
Rectal Cancer
Rectal Cancer is the abnormal growth of cancerous cells in the lower portion of the colon and it is the second most occurring cancer after lung cancer.
Major Causes of Rectal Cancer
- High-fat diet
- Having a family history of colon or rectal cancer in a first-degree relative
- Having a personal history of cancer of the colon or ovary
- Having a personal history of high-risk adenomas
- Having inherited changes in certain genes that increase the risk of familial adenomatous polyposis
- Having personal history of chronic ulcerative colitis or Crohn disease
- Having three or more alcoholic drinks per day
- Smoking cigarettes
- Being obese
Symptoms of Rectal Cancer
- Bleeding from the rectum
- Anemia
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Diagnosis
The determination of the disease can be done using several methods. Some are fecal occult blood testing, endoscopy, digital rectal examination, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, biospsy, CT, MRI, routine blood tests etc.
How to Treat Rectal Cancer ?
The treatment depends on the stage of cancer. Most probably multiple chemotherapy medications are suggested. Surgery is used to treat and reduce symptoms. Radiation therapy is used to kill or shrink rectal cancers at a severe level.
Dr. Deepak Varma is one of the leading gastrosurgeons in Kochi who has performed numerous complicated surgeries.
For more details,
Email at: gastrosurgeoncochin@gmail.com
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