Question 1

how do you diagnose rectal cancer?

Accepted Answer

Colonoscopy: An endoscopic procedure such as proctoscopy, sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy is usually necessary to make the diagnosis.

Question 2

what is the definition or description of: rectal cancer?

Accepted Answer

Rectal cancer: Rectal cancer is a tumor or growth or mass in the last part of the colon or large intestine, known as the rectum. Medically the rectum is not the opening to the outside, that is the anus. The rectum is the 12 inches or so from the anus upstream. Here is a good site that may help: http://www.Cancer.Gov/cancertopics/types/colon-and-rectal.

Question 3

what are the chances of survival for a person who is suffering rectal cancer?

Accepted Answer

Depends on Stage: The staging of rectal cancer is based on ct scanning, endorectal ultrasound, and preop lab testing.  Sometimes the staging is determined after surgery depending on your presentation.  Stage i is the best survival and stage IV is the worst.  Stage ii and stage iii cancers often require chemotherapy to improve survival.

Question 4

is rectal cancer curable?

Accepted Answer

Yes: If caught early, can be successfully treated with local excision or neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiation followed by surgery. The key is early diagnosis! all bleeding should be thoroughly evaluated and appropriate screening with colonoscopies can prevent more advance and incurable colorectal cancers!

Question 5

what is metastatic rectal cancer?

Accepted Answer

Tumor has spread:  'Metastatic' refers to a cancer that has spread to another site away from where it started. This happens when cancer invades blood vessels and lymphatics, allowing the cancer cells to spread and deposit in other organs. So ' metastatic rectal cancer ' means a tumor that started in the rectum is now outside the rectum, in other organs (liver is most common).

Question 6

how do you prevent rectal cancer?

Accepted Answer

Surveilance: The only proven effective method of reducing the incidence of colorectal cancer is surveillance colonoscopy with the removal of suspiciousmpolyps.

Question 7

is there a cure for rectal cancer?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Treatment for rectal cancer depends on the stage of the disease.  It involves surgery and sometimes chemotherapy and/or radiation.  Rectal cancer can be cured if it is localized or has only spread to regional lymph nodes.  In general it is not felt to be curable if it has spread to distant organs.

Question 8

is stage 1 rectal cancer very serious?

Accepted Answer

It can be..: This is where the cancer does not go past the muscle layer.  Surgery can cure this but there are risks.  Surgery can be through the abdomen with or without surgery on the anus.  The first way might need a temporary or permanent colostomy, an opening for expulsion of waste.  The other way requires a permanent colostomy.  Surgery may be done that just involves the anus, but that risks recurrence.

Question 9

what is stage 3 rectal cancer recovery?

Accepted Answer

Lymph node disease: Stage 3 rectal cancer describes cancer that has spread to lymph nodes. Stage 3 rectal cancer is treated with surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotehrpay. The order of these treatments mary vary somewhat. Recovery from surgery generally takes about 4 weeks. The course of chemotherapy and radiation is usually 6 months.

Question 10

what are the early signs of rectal cancer?

Accepted Answer

Bleeding is hallmark: Symptom of rectal cancer.  But by the time there is bleeding, it is usually advanced.  This is why you should have your doctor examine your rectum, test stool for occult blood, and even do endoscopy if there is any suspicion of rectal cancer.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Overactive sphincter and rectal cancer

A member asked:

How do you diagnose rectal cancer?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: rectal cancer?

A member asked:

What are the chances of survival for a person who is suffering rectal cancer?

A member asked:

Is rectal cancer curable?

A member asked:

What is metastatic rectal cancer?

A member asked:

How do you prevent rectal cancer?

A member asked:

Is there a cure for rectal cancer?

A member asked:

Is stage 1 rectal cancer very serious?

A member asked:

What is stage 3 rectal cancer recovery?

A member asked:

What are the early signs of rectal cancer?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?