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MedTerms Medical Dictionary |
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Rectal cancer: A malignant tumor arising from the inner wall of the final part of the large intestine. Rectal cancer causes disabling symptoms and is difficult to treat. Local recurrence is common (15-45%) after the standard surgery. Short-term preoperative radiotherapy has been found to reduce the risk of local recurrence in patients who then have an operation called total mesorectal excision. Risk factors for colorectal cancer include heredity (family history), polyps, and long-standing ulcerative colitis. Most colorectal cancers develop from polyps. Polyp removal can prevent colorectal cancer. Polyps and early cancer can have no symptoms so regular screening is important. Diagnosis of colorectal cancer can be made by barium enema or by colonoscopy with biopsy confirmation of cancer. |
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