Rectal Cancer:
Rectal
Cancer:
The rectum is part of the digestive tract.
It is comprised of the last 6-8 inches (15-20
centimeters) of the large colon. Cancer that originates in the colon or
rectum may be called rectal
cancer, colon cancer, or colorectal cancer. The rectum is approximately 15
centimeters (6 inches)
in length. For the purpose of treatment, the organ often is divided into
three segments– the lower,
middle, and upper thirds. Anatomically they correspond to (measuring from
the anal verge) the first
7-10 centimeters; the next 4-5 centimeters, and the last 4-5 centimeters.
Often, patients
diagnosed with rectal cancer have to grapple with two unpleasant realities
- a fear of having
cancer, and a dread that surgery will inevitably mean a permanent
colostomy. A permanent
colostomy is performed if the surgeon cannot stitch the rectum back
together and make normal
bowel function possible. Instead, the surgeon makes an opening, or stoma,
on the outside of the
body for waste to pass through, where it is collected in a bag worn by the
patient. Until a few
years ago, depending on the location and stage of their cancer, nearly
one-third of patients with
rectal cancer or large precancerous polyps did undergo permanent
colostomies. Today, however,
more patients than ever are eligible for rectal cancer surgery that spares
the sphincter, the
muscle that opens and closes the rectum, thus reducing the likelihood of
permanent colostomy to
one patient in 10 or fewer.
.
General
information about signs and symptoms of Rectal cancer:
Polyps
themselves usually cause no symptoms, although rectal bleeding can be one
indication of
their development. For this reason, blood in the stool should always be
checked by a health care
professional to determine the source of bleeding, and to determine if
polyps, or the onset of rectal
cancer, are the cause. More generalized symptoms of late-stage rectal
cancer include a change in
bowel habits (especially constipation), weight loss and a change in
appetite. Being diagnosed with
cancer, such as rectal cancer, can be a very sobering and frightening
experience. But there is
hope! Discover why we believe that natural medicine treatments are the
best way to treat rectal
cancer and strengthen the immune system. .
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