The difference between rectal cancer and colon cancer lies in the location of the cancer. Rectal cancer occurs in the rectum, which is the final part of the large intestine, while colon cancer occurs in other parts of the colon.

Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
Updated on September 15, 2024
00:00
00:00

Rectal cancer and colon cancer are collectively referred to as colorectal cancer, named according to the different locations where the tumors occur. Rectal cancer occurs in the rectum. Colon cancer includes tumors in the transverse colon, descending colon, ascending colon, and sigmoid colon, and tumors in these areas are called colon cancer. Both are known as colorectal cancer, and they exhibit similar clinical manifestations, including rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits, such as constipation, diarrhea, alternating constipation and diarrhea, and changes in stool shape, such as narrowing of the stool. They are merely named differently based on the location of the tumors and are collectively referred to as colorectal cancer.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
53sec home-news-image

Postoperative Diet and Care for Rectal Cancer

Firstly, rectal cancer is a malignant tumor of the digestive tract, so after surgery, it is recommended to eat foods that are easy to digest and absorb. Secondly, do not smoke, abstain from alcohol, and avoid spicy and irritating foods. Thirdly, it is advised not to eat indigestible foods, such as bean products and foods that cause gas, and to consume them in smaller quantities. Fourthly, rectal cancer may deplete a large amount of nutrients in the body, coupled with the damage from surgery, so it is essential to ensure a nutrition-rich diet, consume nutritious foods such as soups, easily digestible congee, and high-quality proteins to increase the body's nutrients. Fifthly, attention should be paid to timely adding clothing to avoid catching a cold.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
1min 10sec home-news-image

How to detect colorectal cancer early

In clinical practice, to detect colorectal cancer early, screening should be prioritized for individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer. This generally involves tests for tumor markers and colonoscopy examinations. The tumor markers include carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen 724, carbohydrate antigen 199, and carbohydrate antigen 125, among others. Colonoscopy examinations should be conducted annually. Furthermore, for individuals with colorectal polyps, yearly colonoscopy is especially recommended to detect early stages of colon cancer. Similarly, for individuals suffering from chronic inflammatory diseases of the colon and rectum such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, colonoscopy examinations should also be performed to facilitate early detection of colorectal cancer.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
1min 5sec home-news-image

Is rectal bleeding an indication of rectal cancer?

Rectal bleeding is not necessarily colorectal cancer; there are several reasons for rectal bleeding: First, caused by constipation, which leads to difficulty during bowel movements and tearing of the anal mucosa, resulting in bleeding. Second, ulcerative colitis, which commonly presents symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and blood and mucus in the stool. Third, rectal or colon cancer, where the main symptoms also include abdominal pain, changes in stool characteristics, and rectal bleeding. Fourth, ischemic bowel disease, generally seen in older patients with some cardiovascular and ischemic diseases, where symptoms mainly include significant abdominal pain and rectal bleeding. Therefore, not all cases of rectal bleeding are due to rectal cancer; there are many causes, and it is essential to diagnose clearly before treatment.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
1min 3sec home-news-image

Does rectal cancer vomit infect others?

Rectal cancer vomiting is not contagious. The vomiting in rectal cancer is primarily due to the growth of a tumor in the intestine that becomes too large, which then induces intestinal obstruction, causing the patient to vomit and be unable to eat. Furthermore, the vomit is not contagious, and rectal cancer itself is not a contagious disease. For patients with rectal cancer, it is essential to relieve the obstruction as soon as possible and to arrange surgery promptly. If sphincter preservation is possible, it should be attempted. Also, patients with rectal cancer should undergo a pathological biopsy to determine the type of cancer and whether it has spread. Patients with rectal cancer also need to be on a full-liquid diet. Foods with residues should be avoided as much as possible to not easily induce intestinal obstruction, leading to electrolyte disturbances or even causing the body to go into shock. Thus, it is crucial to pay sufficient attention to these issues.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
48sec home-news-image

Can colorectal cancer be inherited?

Can rectal cancer be inherited? Rectal cancer is a relatively common type of malignant tumor in the rectum. Genetic factors are among the causes of rectal cancer, but they are not absolute. The proportion of genetic factors in the occurrence of rectal cancer is relatively small. Most causes are related to inhalative lesions of the rectum, and also linked to the patient's lifestyle, bowel habits, etc., which can lead to the occurrence of rectal cancer. So, there is a genetic component, but the likelihood is low. Therefore, for patients with familial hereditary diseases or families where multiple people have rectal cancer, it is important to conduct timely re-examinations with colonoscopies or to perform some genetic screening.