Rectal Cancer

What is rectal cancer?

Rectal cancer is a cancer that develops in the rectum, the last portion of your large intestines where your body stores stools before evacuation. Because of its location and proximity to other organs, treatment for rectal cancer is more complex than colon cancer.

You could be at risk of developing rectal cancer if it (or colon cancer) runs in your family, you have an inflammatory bowel disease, or you have a history of polyps. As you age, your risk of developing rectal cancer increases.

What are rectal cancer symptoms?

Rectal cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms and might only be found after a colon cancer screening. The American Cancer Society recommends adults start colorectal screenings at age 45 — sooner if you have colon cancer risk factors.

Rectal cancer’s most common symptoms are:

• Change in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea)
• Narrow stool
• Blood in your stool
• Mucus in your stool
• Pelvic pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, contact Colon and Rectal Surgeons of Greater Hartford to schedule an evaluation.

How is rectal cancer diagnosed?

The team at Colon and Rectal Surgeons of Greater Hartford diagnose rectal cancer during a colonoscopy. During this procedure, the colorectal specialists use a colonoscope, a thin tube with a light and camera, to evaluate the lining of your rectum and colon.

If your specialist finds any abnormal tissue, samples are taken and sent to the lab for evaluation. Your specialist also removes polyps from your rectum and colon during your colonoscopy. Though often benign, over time, polyps can turn into cancer.

How is rectal cancer treated?

The experts at Colon and Rectal Surgeons of Greater Hartford work with a multidisciplinary tumor board to determine the best treatment for your rectal cancer. Your treatment plan can include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy.

The experts at Colon and Rectal Surgeons of Greater Hartford specialize in rectal cancer surgery and use advanced minimally invasive techniques, including:

• Robotic surgery
• Transanal excision
• Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS)
• Advanced laparoscopy
• Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME)

The type of surgery best suited for you will depend on the stage of your cancer, where it’s at, the size of your tumor, and your overall health.

For expert surgical management of your rectal cancer, contact Colon and Rectal Surgeons of Greater Hartford by phone or book an appointment online today.