Rectal cancer: symptoms, causes, treatment, etc. & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is rectal cancer?

Rectal cancer is a type of disease that occurs in the rectum. The rectum is the tube that forms the last part of the large intestine.

The rectum is located at the end of a section of the large intestine and ends in a short tube that leads to the anus. The rectum and large intestine are places where food is digested and converted into energy for the body. The remainder of this digestion will be excreted in the form of feces or feces through the anus.

Cancer that occurs in the rectum and colon is often referred to as colorectal cancer. This disease generally often appears first in the cells lining the inside of the rectum.

The disease starts out as precancerous polyps, which are sometimes harmless. However, it is not uncommon for this polyp tissue to develop into cancer cells.

Cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body. Cancer cells found in the colon and rectum can spread to other organs, such as the liver. This process is called metastasis.

The most common symptoms of this disease are bloody stool and a change in bowel habits.

How common is rectal cancer?

Rectal cancer is a type of cancer that is quite common. This disease ranks third as the most common cancer, both in men and women.

About 944 thousand cases of this disease have been identified in various parts of the world. This disease is most commonly found in industrialized countries such as Japan, China and countries in Eastern Europe.

This type of cancer is more common in men than in women. In addition, as many as 90% of cases of this cancer appear at the age of 50 years and over, although there are also many reports of rectal cancer in adolescents and young children.

In most cases, the disease will not recur. However, in 35 to 40 percent of patients with colorectal cancer and who have undergone treatment, symptoms may return within 3 to 5 years.

However, this disease can be treated by reducing risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Type

What are the types of rectal cancer?

This disease initially appears as a form of tissue that grows on the wall of the rectum. This tissue is called a polyp.

Some types of polyps can turn into cancer in a matter of years, but not all polyps have the potential to become cancerous. The following are the types of cancer cells that develop in the rectum:

1. Adenocarcinoma

Adenocarcinoma is found in as many as 96% of cases of rectal cancer. Cancer cells of this type are found in the cells that form mucus on the walls of the rectum.

2. Carcinoid tumor

This type of tumor appears on the hormone-producing cells in the intestine.

3. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)

GIST first develops in the cells of the intestinal wall. These tumors are sometimes benign and can be found anywhere in the digestive tract.

4. Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that attacks cells of the body's immune system. Most lymphomas develop in the lymph glands, although many of these cancer cells develop in the large intestine, rectum, or other organs of the body.

5. Sarcomas

Sarcomas usually appear first in blood vessels, muscle linings, or other connective tissue in the walls of the colon and rectum. Sarcoma cells that develop in the rectum are very rare.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of rectal cancer?

The signs and symptoms of rectal cancer are generally not known by the sufferer, until they are finally detected during the examination. In fact, in some cases, this disease does not show any symptoms.

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, here are the symptoms that can appear in sufferers of this disease:

• Bleeding in the anus
• Stool or stool mixed with blood
• Change in bowel habits
• Diarrhea
• More frequent gas or gas
• Anemia
• Unexplained fatigue
• Abdominal discomfort
• The heart beats faster
• Shortness of breath
• Dizzy
• Loss of appetite
• Pelvic pain
• Feeling that your bowel movements are never finished
• Losing weight, even though you are not on a diet

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about the appearance of certain symptoms, you can consult a doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

Early diagnosis and treatment can stop this condition from worsening and prevent other medical emergencies.

Therefore, talk to your doctor immediately to prevent this serious condition, especially if you experience unusual symptoms such as:

• Blood mixed with feces
• Losing weight suddenly

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor.

Each person's body shows varying signs and symptoms. To get the most appropriate treatment for your health condition, always consult a doctor.

Cause

What causes rectal cancer?

Rectal cancer occurs when the cells in the rectum experience damage to their DNA. Until now, doctors and experts do not know the exact cause of DNA damage in body cells.

Normal cells usually grow and replicate, then die and are replaced by new ones. However, in some cases, the DNA in the cells is damaged and causes the cells to continue growing uncontrollably.

These excess cells will continue to accumulate and form a tissue called a tumor. Over time, these cells develop into cancer cells that can attack the surrounding tissue. In fact, cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body.

Although the exact cause of DNA damage in the body's cells is not known, experts believe that there are various factors that trigger the condition. One of the most common is a genetic mutation, both inherited and acquired (acquired).

1. Hereditary genetic mutations

Some mutations or DNA changes in the body are inherited from family members. This condition is usually associated with several types of diseases, such as:

• Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), attenuated FAP (AFAP), and Gardner's syndrome
• Lynch Syndrome
• Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome
• MYH-associated polyposis (FOLDER)

2. Acquired genetic mutations (acquired)

Meanwhile, genetic mutations may also appear at certain times in your life. This condition is known as an acquired genetic mutation or acquired .

In most cases of rectal cancer, the DNA mutation that causes cancer usually occurs when the patient is an adult, not congenital. Several risk factors may play a role in this condition, but not much is known for sure.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for rectal cancer?

Rectal cancer is a disease that can affect people of all ages and races. However, there are several factors that can increase a person's risk of developing the disease.

However, having any or all of the risk factors does not mean you can be sure that you have the disease. Some people who suffer from this disease have no risk factors at all.

The following are various risk factors that trigger rectal cancer, namely:

1. Age

Your risk of developing this disease increases with age. Although this disease is also found in some young patients, it is more common in people aged 50 years and over.

2. Gender

Rectal cancer affects male patients more than women.

3. Being overweight or obese

If you are overweight or obese, your risk of developing this cancer is higher.

4. Having a certain diet

If you frequently eat red meat and processed meats (such as sausages and bacon), you have a greater chance of developing cancer.

In addition, cooking meat at too high a temperature causes the appearance of chemicals that trigger cancer.

5. Smoking

People who smoke for a long time have a chance of developing cancer cells in their bodies. Smoking is more often associated with lung cancer, but other types of cancer are also associated with this habit.

6. Drinking excess alcohol

This disease is often associated with drinking alcohol. Drinking more than 2 glasses a day can increase your risk of developing cancer.

7. Have had cancer, especially colorectal cancer

If you have had cancer or colorectal polyps before, it is possible that you could have cancer cells developing in your rectum.

8. Have experienced gastrointestinal inflammatory disease

If you've ever suffered inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or inflammatory digestive problems such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, you are at risk of developing rectal cancer.

9. Having a family member who has colorectal cancer

Some cases of rectal cancer are inherited. As many as 1 in 3 patients suffering from this disease have a family member with the same disease.

10. Suffering from type 2 diabetes

People who have type 2 diabetes and are not on insulin treatment have a high chance of developing the disease.

Diagnosis & treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is rectal cancer diagnosed?

If you feel signs and symptoms, consult a doctor immediately. The doctor will perform a thorough physical examination as well as other additional tests.

However, in certain cases, rectal cancer does not show any symptoms. Usually, cancer is detected only after the patient undergoes tests screening colonoscopy.

1. Colonoscopy

The doctor will recommend that you undergo this test, which aims to determine the presence of cancer and find polyps or tumors in the rectum.

The test is done by inserting a small tube with a camera at the end through your anus.

2. Blood test

The doctor will also take a sample of your blood to determine if you have this disease. Here are some aspects to consider when examining blood:

• Complete blood count or complete blood count (CBC)
• Liver enzymes
• Tumor markers such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)

3. Test shooting

This test aims to clearly see the inside of your body, especially the rectum. Some of the types of test shots that are performed are:

• CT scan
• Ultrasound test
• MRI scan
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
• Chest X-ray
• Angiography

What are the stages in rectal cancer?

If the doctor can detect cancer, the cancer will be classified into 5 stages:

Stage 0

Stage 0 is the earliest stage of a cancer diagnosis. Cancer cells are found only on the wall of the rectum. These cells have the potential to spread to the surrounding tissue.

Stage 1

At this stage, the cancer has spread from the inside of the rectum to the muscle layer or the lower part of the rectum wall.

Stage 2

When it reaches stage 2, the tumor has passed through the wall of the rectum and reached the tissue next to the rectum.

Stage 3

In stage 3, cancer has invaded the lymph glands near the rectum, including the tissue outside the walls of the rectum.

Stage 4

This stage is the highest stage of rectal cancer. At this stage, the cancer has spread to other organs of the body, such as the lungs and brain.

How is rectal cancer treated?

Once cancer is detected, the next step is to determine treatment options. Your doctor will provide several options for you to consider.

Treatment of cancer is generally a combination of surgery, chemotherapy. and radiotherapy.

1. Operation

Surgery is performed to remove tumor tissue or the entire rectum. Usually, the surgeon will also remove the fat and lymph glands around your rectum, to prevent cancer cells from growing again.

There are 4 types of surgery to treat rectal cancer, namely:

• Transanal excision
• Mesorectal surgery
• Low anterior resection
• Abdominoperineal resection

2. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy treatment is done by injecting or drinking drugs to kill cancer cells.

3. Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy or radiotherapy uses high-power light, such as X-rays, to kill cancer cells.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat rectal cancer?

Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you treat rectal cancer:

• Increase your consumption of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and reduce your intake of red meat and processed meats
• It is highly recommended to increase physical activity. Doing physical activity as often as possible reduces the risk of cancer by about 21%.
• Frequent sitting for a long period of time is associated with the death rate from this disease. For this reason, always move your body actively every day.
• The risk of cancer can be reduced by maintaining a healthy body weight.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.