1. Breast Cancer Slideshow Pictures
2. Pancreatic Cancer Slideshow Pictures
3. Skin Cancer Slideshow Pictures

Rectal cancer can cause many symptoms that require a person to seek medical care.However, rectal cancer may also be present without any symptoms, underscoring the importance of routine health screening.Symptoms to be aware of include the following:

• Bleeding
  
  
  • Seeing blood mixed with stool is a sign to seek immediate medical care.Although many peoplebleed due tohemorrhoids, a doctor should still be notified in the event of rectal bleeding.
  • 
    
  • Prolonged rectal bleeding (perhaps in small quantities that is not seen in the stool) may lead to anemia, causing fatigue, shortness of breath, light-headedness, or a fast heartbeat.
• 
  
• Obstruction
  
  
  • A rectal mass may grow so large that it prevents the normal passage of stool.This blockage may lead to the feeling of severe constipation or pain when having a bowel movement.In addition, abdominal pain or cramping may occur due to the blockage.
  • 
    
  • The stool size may appear narrow so that it can be passed around the rectal mass.Therefore, pencil-thin stool may be another signof an obstruction from rectal cancer.
  • 
    
  • A person with rectal cancer may have a sensation that the stool cannot be completely evacuated after a bowel movement.
• 
  
• Weight loss: Cancer may cause weight loss. Unexplained weight loss (in the absence of dieting or a new exercise program) requires a medical evaluation.

Must Read Articles Related to Rectal Cancer

Colon Cancer The human colon is a muscular, tube-shaped organ measuring about 4 feet long. It extends from the end of your small bowel to your anus, twisting and turning thr...learn more >>

See the Entire Rectal Cancer Topic Guide »