Rectal Cancer: The rectum is the lower part of the colon that connects the large bowel to the anus. The rectum's primary function is to store formed stool in preparation for evacuation. Rectal cancer symptoms and signs include bleeding, bowel obstruction, weight loss, change in bowel habits, constipation, narrow stools, and pain during bowel movements. Treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
Must Read Articles:
Featured:
Rectal Cancer Topic Guide - Visuals
Slideshows, Pictures, Images, and Quizzes:
-
Slideshow
-
Slideshow
-
Slideshow
Rectal Cancer Topic Guide – Related Topics
Related Topics:
Abdominal Pain in Adults
Abdominal pain in adults can range from a mild stomach ache to severe pain. Examples of causes of abdominal pain in adults include appendicitis, gallbladder dis...learn more »
Genital Warts
Genital warts (HPV) are growths in the genital area of both men and women. Genital warts are contagious and are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Sym...
learn more »
Cigarette Smoking
Cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of death and illness among Americans. Effects of learn more »
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Complete blood count (CBC) is one of the most common blood tests. The complete blood count test provides valuable information about the quantity of the differen...learn more »
Dizziness
Dizziness may be a minor problem, or could be something life-threatening. Causes of dizziness include
Weight Loss and Control
Obesity is simply the accumulation of excess body fat. It is much more than that, however. Obesity is a chronic (long-term) disease that is very difficult to tr...learn more »
CT Scan
What is a CT scan? Computerized tomography scans (CT scans) are important diagnostic tools for a variety of medical conditions. Some areas of the body frequentl...learn more »
Anemia
Anemia can be caused by many conditions and diseases such as iron deficiency, poor diet and nutrition, cancers, bone marrow problems, and more. Symptoms of anem...learn more »
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a scanner that takes cross-sectional images of the body. It is used to evaluate tissues of the head, neck, chest, limbs, abd...learn more »
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of diseases and conditions in which the intestines and other digestive structures become inflamed. Two of these d...
learn more »
Diarrhea
Diarrhea can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, parasites, intestinal diseases or conditions, reactions to medications, and learn more »
Constipation in Adults
Constipation in adults refers to difficulty in passing stools or a decrease in the frequency of bowel movements. Causes of learn more »
Flatulence (Gas)
Flatulence (gas) is a normal bodily function. Excess gas may be produced by
- swallowing excess air,
- problems in the breakdown o...