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.

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Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
56sec home-news-image

What causes rectal cancer?

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.

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Written by Yu Xu Chao
Colorectal Surgery
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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.

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Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
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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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Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
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Early symptoms of rectal cancer

The early symptoms of rectal cancer generally include the following aspects: many patients experience changes in their bowel habits, such as prolonged diarrhea, prolonged constipation, or alternating occurrences of diarrhea and constipation. Some patients also experience changes in the characteristics of their stools, with stools becoming thinner and more watery due to increased bowel movements. Additionally, some patients may excrete stools mixed with mucus, pus, and blood, or stools that contain blood, and may experience a feeling of urgency followed by a sensation of incomplete evacuation. Some patients also feel itching or a dull pain in the anal area. Moreover, the early symptoms of rectal cancer are not very prominent, and many patients can easily confuse them with benign rectal diseases such as hemorrhoids and anal fissures. This confusion leads many patients not to seek medical attention, and by the time symptoms like significant pain and lumps appear, the disease is typically in its intermediate or advanced stages.

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Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
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What are the late-stage symptoms of rectal cancer?

The late-stage symptoms of rectal cancer patients in clinical practice mainly include the following types. The first type is abdominal symptoms caused locally by rectal cancer. For example: bloody stools, pass stools with mucous and pus, anal pain, bloating, abdominal pain, and other manifestations. The second category of symptoms is those from metastases in various locations. For example, bone metastases cause bone pain and limb movement disorders. Lung metastases cause chest tightness, shortness of breath after activity, chest pain, breathing difficulties, coughing and coughing up blood, etc. Brain metastases cause headaches, dizziness, and seizures. The third category of symptoms is mainly systemic symptoms caused by rectal cancer lesions, such as: weight loss, fatigue, and high fever.