What causes rectal cancer?

Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
Updated on September 22, 2024
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The occurrence of rectal cancer is a process involving multiple factors and multiple steps, and it is the result of the interaction between environmental factors and genetic factors of the body. To date, its causes are not completely understood, but there are some factors that are considered high-risk. First, dietary factors are generally believed to be high in animal protein, high fat, and low fiber, which are significant factors in the high incidence of rectal cancer. Second, lifestyle factors such as prolonged sitting, smoking, drinking, being overweight, and obesity may increase the incidence of rectal cancer. Third, having a history of medical surgeries. Fourth, environmental factors, such as asbestos workers. Fifth, genetic factors.

Other Voices

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Gastroenterology
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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.

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Written by Gong Chun
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Where to apply moxibustion for rectal cancer?

Firstly, the treatment of rectal cancer with moxibustion needs to be differentiated. Everyone has a different constitution. If someone has rectal cancer and has a heat-type constitution, it is not recommended to undergo moxibustion treatment. However, if the patient has a cold-type constitution, moxibustion treatment can be performed. The second issue is where exactly to apply the moxibustion. It can be done on the abdomen, around the navel, where there are acupuncture points, all suitable for moxibustion. For example, the navel, which corresponds to the Shenque point, can be treated with moxibustion. Other points above and below the navel, like Guanyuan and Qihai, can also be used for moxibustion.

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Written by Yu Xu Chao
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How to differentiate rectal cancer from hemorrhoids

Rectal cancer is a malignant lesion, with clinical symptoms mainly causing an increase in the frequency of bowel movements, changes in stool characteristics such as grooved stools or stools with mucus and pus and blood. Severe patients may experience abdominal pain, weight loss, anemia, and other accompanying symptoms. Generally, low-lying rectal cancer can be seen during a digital rectal examination or with an anoscope. If the cancer is located higher up, an electronic colonoscopy is needed to see the cauliflower-like mass. Hemorrhoids, on the other hand, are benign lesions often caused by improper diet or poor bowel habits, leading to pathological hypertrophy and descent of the anal cushions. They are mostly characterized by intermittent painless rectal bleeding with bright red blood, along with a feeling of heaviness and a foreign body sensation in the anus.

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Can rectal cancer be detected by ultrasound B?

Can rectal ultrasound detect it? When we perform an abdominal ultrasound for the digestive system, we might see a potential mass in the abdomen, but its specific nature cannot be clearly identified. Therefore, the definitive diagnosis of rectal cancer still relies on biopsy and pathological examination. Thus, it is recommended to go to the hospital and consult a professional oncologist for tests, such as undergoing an endoscopic biopsy or having a surgical procedure to remove and then analyze the pathology to confirm whether it is rectal cancer or not.

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Rectal cancer stage III

Rectal cancer staging is based on the TNM system. "T" refers to the primary tumor, and its stage depends on which layer of the bowel wall the tumor has invaded. "N" is based on whether there are lymph node metastases and the number of lymph nodes involved. "M" indicates whether there are metastases to distant organs. Staging is determined according to the TNM situation, where Stage I is the earliest and Stage IV is the latest. Stage III indicates lymph node metastasis without distant organ metastases, such as to the liver or lungs. In such cases, irrespective of whether T is T1 to T4, if there is lymph node involvement without distant organ metastasis, it is staged as Stage III.