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

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 5

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.

Question 6

how treatable/curable is rectal cancer?

Accepted Answer

Very treatable!: Many rectal cancers are curable, from stage 1-3 (with lower stage having better statistics), and even stage 4 is treatable, meaning that treatment prolongs life! so getting a great treatment is important and worthwhile.

Question 7

how does a doc check for rectal cancer?

Accepted Answer

Rectal exam: Digital rectal exam by physician. If a mass is palpated a biopsy can be obtained with help of an anoscope.

Question 8

does anal fissure leads to rectal cancer ?

Accepted Answer

No: Anal fissure and rectal cancer are two completely different diseases. Anal fissure does not lead to rectal cancer.

Question 9

what is stage 1 rectal cancer treatment risk?

Accepted Answer

Can need colostomy.: Athis is where the cancer does not go past the muscle layer.  Surgery can treat 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 10

are colon cancer and rectal cancer the same thing?

Accepted Answer

Somewhat: Colon cancer and rectal caner are usually an adenocarcinoma. They are both located in the large intestine. The difference is that they are treated differently. Sometimes rectal cancer is first treated with radiation and chemotherapy before surgery. Colon cancer often does not use radiation therapy. Both cancers use surgery to remove the cancer.

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How treatable/curable is rectal cancer?

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Are colon cancer and rectal cancer the same thing?

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