What are the differences between colon cancer and rectal cancer?

Written by Cui Fang Bo
Oncology
Updated on January 02, 2025
00:00
00:00

The fundamental difference between colon cancer and rectal cancer lies in their locations of occurrence. Both are collectively referred to as colorectal cancer, which is one of the more prevalent malignancies of the digestive system in China. Colon cancer originates from the mucosa of the colon, while rectal cancer originates from the mucosa of the rectum, with different points of origin. In terms of treatment, there are significant differences between colon and rectal cancer. In surgical treatment, both cancers typically require surgery as the first choice. However, patients with colon cancer can preserve their anus, whereas some patients with low rectal cancer might face situations where anus preservation is not possible. In internal medicine, the chemotherapy drugs used for colon and rectal cancer are quite similar. In terms of radiation therapy, there are notable differences; radiation treatment is generally not included for colon cancer but is an important treatment method for rectal cancer.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
1min 4sec home-news-image

What are the symptoms and early signs of rectal cancer?

In the early stages of rectal cancer, there are no obvious symptoms. Only when the condition progresses to a certain extent do some clinical symptoms appear. The first is a change in bowel habits or the nature of the stool. The second possible symptom is abdominal pain. The third possible outcome is intestinal obstruction. The fourth symptom occurs when the tumor develops to a certain extent, and lumps can be felt in the abdomen. The fifth point includes possible symptoms of systemic poisoning such as anemia, weight loss, fever, and weakness. The sixth point is that in the advanced stages of rectal cancer, some metastatic lesions may appear, such as extensive pelvic metastasis and infiltration, leading to pain in the sacral area and sciatic neuralgia; if areas like the vaginal, rectal mucosa, or bladder mucosa are involved, there may be vaginal bleeding or blood in the urine, resulting in conditions like rectovaginal or rectovesical fistulas.

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 Liu Liang
Oncology
1min 19sec home-news-image

What tests are used to check for rectal cancer?

When clinical symptoms such as diarrhea or constipation, changes in bowel habits, bloody stools, and abdominal pain occur, we should be vigilant about the possibility of rectal cancer. The examination for rectal cancer can start with a digital rectal exam, especially for low-lying rectal cancer, which is closer to the anus; these tumors can be detected through this method. Then, a colonoscopy should be performed to take a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis, which is the gold standard for confirmation. Additionally, blood tests for tumor markers can be conducted. Generally, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CA199 levels may be elevated, but this is not absolute as their specificity and sensitivity are not very high. An enhanced CT scan of the abdomen can also be done. In such scans, we can see thickening of the intestinal wall where the tumor is located, and the enhancement can show the intensified thickening of the intestinal wall. Combining all these methods can confirm the diagnosis of rectal cancer.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
43sec home-news-image

Could having blood in the stool for five years be rectal cancer?

If there has been blood in the stool for five years, whether it's colorectal cancer or not, this can only be confirmed through a colonoscopy. Furthermore, pathological tissue analysis and biopsy are necessary to make a definitive diagnosis. Pathological examination is the gold standard for diagnosing cancer. If cancerous changes are present, surgical treatment should be undertaken promptly to prevent the spread of cancer cells. If there are no malignant changes, symptomatic treatment measures can be adopted. Conditions such as chronic colitis, ulcerative colitis, or hemorrhoids could also cause blood in the stool.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Heng
Colorectal Surgery
31sec home-news-image

Can you eat edamame after rectal cancer surgery?

Patients with rectal cancer can eat edamame after surgery. However, they should pay attention to the following dietary advice post-surgery: First, eat less or avoid animal fats, which means limiting the intake of saturated fatty acids. Second, even the consumption of vegetable oils should be limited. Third, do not eat fried foods. Fourth, during cooking, oils should not be overheated. Fifth, eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits.