What will happen if rectitis gets worse?

Written by Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 21, 2024
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If proctitis worsens, it should be treated promptly through surgery. Surgical removal can help prevent spread and prolong life. After surgery, it is also necessary to kill cancer cells through radiotherapy and chemotherapy. If proctitis is not properly managed, frequent recurrences can lead to erosion and even ulcers, which can easily become cancerous. Therefore, regular follow-up colonoscopies are essential to monitor changes in the condition and assess whether there is a high or low chance of deterioration. After surgery, attention should also be paid to a bland diet, avoiding irritant foods.

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Written by Wang Hui Jie
Gastroenterology
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Difference between colitis and rectal cancer

The differences between proctitis and rectal cancer are that under endoscopy, proctitis can present with patchy congestion, with or without mucus, and unclear vascular patterns. In contrast, rectal cancer can present with a protruding mass, which may have an uneven surface, cauliflower-like changes, and possibly congested erosion, among other conditions. It could also simply be a very superficial lesion, and the texture is often more brittle, possibly involving the entire circumference of the colon, preventing the passage of a colonoscope. Clinically, proctitis may present with symptoms such as increased frequency of bowel movements, incomplete evacuation, and sticky stools that may contain mucus. Rectal cancer, on the other hand, may present with symptoms such as bloody stools, positive fecal occult blood, abdominal pain, etc.

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Written by Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
42sec home-news-image

What will happen if rectitis gets worse?

If proctitis worsens, it should be treated promptly through surgery. Surgical removal can help prevent spread and prolong life. After surgery, it is also necessary to kill cancer cells through radiotherapy and chemotherapy. If proctitis is not properly managed, frequent recurrences can lead to erosion and even ulcers, which can easily become cancerous. Therefore, regular follow-up colonoscopies are essential to monitor changes in the condition and assess whether there is a high or low chance of deterioration. After surgery, attention should also be paid to a bland diet, avoiding irritant foods.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
1min 4sec home-news-image

Treatment of proctitis

Proctitis is relatively common in clinical settings, especially in the department of gastroenterology. It generally presents as abdominal discomfort and abnormal bowel movements. Abdominal discomfort typically manifests as discomfort in the lower left abdomen, and abnormal bowel movements may include increased frequency and looser stool texture. The treatment of proctitis generally falls into two categories: general treatment and medication. General treatment includes maintaining smooth bowel movements, eating smaller meals more frequently, and ensuring that the stool remains soft. For medication, options include oral medications and topical treatments. Oral medications can soften stools, protect the intestinal mucosa, and control inflammation, among other effects. Topical medications may be chosen to protect the intestinal mucosa and prevent itching, and generally, they are quite effective, so patients need not worry too much.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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Does proctitis require surgery?

Proctitis is a common clinical disease that can be asymptomatic or can present with recurrent discomfort symptoms such as abnormal stool, displaying characteristics like loose stool texture, increased frequency of defecation, or digestive bleeding accompanied by fresh red blood along with abnormal stool. If there are no specific abdominal symptoms and the stool condition is manageable, generally, surgical treatment is not necessary. Instead, dietary adjustments and rest can be made, including appropriate medication when necessary. Medication options may include suppositories, such as mesalazine suppositories, and oral probiotics for adjustment. Therefore, if there are truly no space-occupying lesions and no issues found in colonoscopy, surgical treatment may not be required for proctitis. It is advised to manage with medication and further adjust with oral probiotics, so there is no need for worry. (Please follow a professional physician's guidance when using medications and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Is rectitis hemorrhoids?

Proctitis and hemorrhoids have fundamental differences. Proctitis is an inflammation that occurs in the rectum and its mucosa, related to infection by pathogens. Typical symptoms include diarrhea and abdominal pain, with severe cases presenting mucus or pus and bloody stools. Hemorrhoids, on the other hand, are caused by the distension of hemorrhoidal veins; internal hemorrhoids lead to bleeding after bowel movements, and external hemorrhoids cause significant pain. Proctitis is generally treated with medications or can also be managed with enemas. Hemorrhoids are mainly treated with medications that reduce bleeding and medications that treat the hemorrhoids, and they can also be treated surgically. (Medication use should be supervised by a doctor.)