Although the terms “colorectal cancer” and “rectal cancer” may sound similar, they actually refer to different types of cancer. You should be aware of the similarities and differences if you or a loved one has it.
You must be aware of which one you possess. That will have an impact on your prognosis, or the outcomes you can anticipate from your treatment.
Two Parts of One Organ
Cancers of the rectal and colon types also impact the lower digestive tract’s largest intestine, the large intestine. However, they begin at various points inside it. The approximately 5-foot-long colon collects water from stool and can develop cancer at any point along its length.
The rectum, the lowest part of the colon, measuring 12 cm, is where cancer of the colon first appears. It’s the place where waste is held until the next time you defecate. Because of what’s close by, the location is also important.
Located in the vast gap between the pelvis and the base of the rib cage is the majority of the colon.
There is increased activity around the rectum. Your urinary tract is close by. For females, the uterus and vagina, and for males, the prostate, are similarly situated. Because of the limited room, surgeons may have to rethink their approach to tumor removal.
Diagnosis and Common Symptoms
Many of the symptoms that can be seen in colon cancer can also be seen in rectal cancer.
- Discomfort in the belly
- Dysfunction in the bowels
- Blood in the stool, which can be any color from black to dark to red,
- Feeling fatigued or weak
Additionally, the diagnostic process for both forms of colorectal cancer is the same. A colonoscopy is probably in your future. During this operation, your doctor will be able to examine your colon and rectum using a long, thin, and flexible tube. The doctor can take tiny samples, called biopsies, from locations where cancer may be present in order to conduct tests. Small, noncancerous growths called polyps can be found in many people’s colons; they may require excision before they cause any problems.
Treatment of Colon and Rectal Cancer
Treatment of Colon Cancer
Surgical excision of the colon is the initial line of defense against colon cancer. This procedure is known as a partial colectomy.
Normal bowel motions are usually possible again after surgery to reattach the divided parts of the colon. That, however, isn’t always possible. A colostomy is the surgical procedure that will be performed in such instances. An ostomy is a surgical incision made in the abdomen that your surgeon will use to connect the colon. A bag designed to collect feces will be fastened to the ostomy.
Your doctor may prescribe chemotherapy as a means of eliminating cancer cells if your colon cancer has progressed to lymph nodes or impacted a substantial portion of your colon.
Treatment of Rectal Cancer
If your tumor can be surgically removed, surgery will be the primary method of treatment for rectal cancer. To eradicate any residual cancer cells or to reduce the size of a tumor prior to surgery, you might also undergo radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Your surgeon will make an effort during your rectal cancer surgery to remove cancerous tissue while sparing the anal sphincter muscle, which regulates the opening and closure of the anus during defecation. Rectal tumors can sometimes be saved, but only if they are far enough away from the muscle. Then a colostomy will be necessary.
After colon cancer surgery, a colostomy is rarely necessary.
Conclusion
When it comes to the colon and rectum, these are parts of the same organ and cancer of these parts presents itself with similar symptoms. The spread of colon and rectal cancer can be avoided by undergoing periodic examinations and treatment as early as possible once the cancer is detected. If you or someone you know has been experiencing symptoms of colon or rectal cancer and has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, you can consider consulting Dr. Avadh Patel, a top colorectal surgeon in Ahmedabad at Kaizen Hospital.