Rectal carcinoma is the cancer of the rectum. Since its development cannot be clearly distinguished from colon cancer, the cancer of the large intestine, the two diseases are often combined as colorectal cancer. Colorectal carcinoma is the 3rd most common cancer in men and the 2nd most common cancer in women in Germany.
It occurs mainly after the age of 50 and its development is associated with several lifestyle factors. The symptoms of the disease, such as blood admixture in the stool and a change in stool habits are not very characteristic. If detected early, the cancer has a very good prognosis. Since up to 6% of the healthy normal population will develop colorectal cancer after the age of 40, there are structured screening programs in Germany.
Therapy of rectal cancer
When rectal cancer is diagnosed, many patients already have metastases of the tumor in other parts of the body. Depending on the location of the tumor, metastases may be found in the lymph nodes around the abdominal artery (paraaortic), lymph nodes of the pelvic wall and lymph nodes of the groin. The first organs affected by the spread via the blood are the liver and, in the case of deep-seated rectal carcinoma, also the lungs. Subsequently, other organs can also be affected by the tumor, but this is less common.
Associated symptoms
The symptoms of colorectal cancer are not very characteristic. Patients report for example blood admixtures in the stool. However, these can also occur in the course of other diseases, such as hemorrhoidal disease.
Frequently, patients with colorectal cancer also suffer from hemorrhoids. Conversely, the absence of bleeding does not rule out a carcinoma. Even sudden changes in stool habits after the age of 40 can indicate a malignant disease in the intestine.
In addition, malodorous winds and an involuntary defecation of the flatus can occur. In addition, patients report reduced performance and fatigue, weight loss and abdominal pain. Chronic bleeding of the tumor can also lead to anaemia. In extreme cases, large tumors can lead to intestinal obstruction and the associated symptoms.
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