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How To Diagnose Rectal Cancer?

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Posted on Tue, 28 Feb 2017
Question: Sir
I have a fear of rectum cancer as inhave a discomfort in my anus area. Will a gastro doctor able to find cancer in rectum by incerting his fing in my anus or i need colonoscopy.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Rectal exam, colonoscopy and C scan is required to confirm cancer rectum

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

Rectal cancer is diagnosed with detailed investigation.

To make a diagnosis of rectal cancer first a surgeon inserts his finger and does a rectal examination. This does not permit examination of more than a few centimetres of the rectum and therefore a colonoscopy is recommended to evaluate the lumen of rectum and the sigmoid or descending colon and till the ascending colon.

If there is a strong clinical suspicion of cancer in rectum and anal region then a CT scan with rectal and intravenous contrast is also required. This is because the CT scan will show the outer wall of rectum and colon in detail and the colonoscopy shows only the inner lumen of the rectum and colon. Now virtual colonoscopy is also available.

Therefore a combination of investigations is required to make a confirmed diagnosis of rectal cancer if clinically suspected.

Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (19 minutes later)
Sir
I have a fear of cancer in my life always. Do u advice me to go for all test. I dont have any other symptoms of blood in motion or any thing. My gastro made it 2 months back a rectal exam as i had a burning sensation. Once i go motion i feel free. I usaulau go motion in the morning clear but for past 3 days i feel i cleared but what i eat in morning i would clear and feel free i think .
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (15 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Your symptoms are unlikely from cancer

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

Rectal cancer symptoms include
Weakness
Unexplained weight loss
Lymph nodes enlarging in various regions
Blood in stools
Diarrhea or constipation over few weeks to months

If you do not have any of the above symptoms then a rectum cancer is unlikely.
You can get a cancer screening done anually and colonoscopy every 5 years if there is family history of colon cancer.

Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (22 minutes later)
Sir
Realy thanks for reply. I dont have family history. When ever i get some some prob i feel will itvb bvs of cancer. On your openion will rectal cancer b found it digital examination. Will it b a colon cancer as i am not able tonempty my bowl completely. Why may b the reason. If not what option can i take .
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (16 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Your symptoms can be from anxiety

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

There are many non cancer conditions which can cause the symptoms you have. It can be irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease, any infections and anxiety.

To me it looks like your symptoms are due to anxiety. Please get a colonoscopy done if required after discussing with your doctor.

Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (7 minutes later)
Sir
Realy thanks for reply. When ever inget anxity i loose my appetite also. If its a clolon or rectal cancer i took a ct abdomen of contrast on april 2014 it might have showed some polyp or some other symp. Will a cancer grow fast pr occur within this couple of year .
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Cancer polyps grow fast

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

Polyps are usually benign and grow slowly. However cancer polyps can grow fast. There is no time limit but it grows within a year in most patients.

If no polyp was visualised in CT ccan abdomen in 2014 then it is unlikely that you have a polyp now.

Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (2 days later)
Sir
Now my prob what i face is i had my eyes burning and inpplird liiylenoil on my head and sleapt and now lower abdomen ie lower waist pains mild and what may the reason. No birning sensation while goong urine. Can it b a heat pain or some other reason possibikities. What remeady for thos pain
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (11 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Please try to reduce your stress and anxiety levels

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing back.

The pain you have is non specific and cannot be related to some thing which you applied on your head. However the burning yes, it can be due to chemical irritation.

Since you have been thinking a lot about cancer and have a lot of anxiety so it is possible that your abdomen pain is from stress due to anxiety or can be due to your food habits. Please try to reduce your anxiety and take healthy food and drink adequate water.

Regards
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Vivek Chail

Radiologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 6874 Questions

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How To Diagnose Rectal Cancer?

Brief Answer: Rectal exam, colonoscopy and C scan is required to confirm cancer rectum Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for writing in. Rectal cancer is diagnosed with detailed investigation. To make a diagnosis of rectal cancer first a surgeon inserts his finger and does a rectal examination. This does not permit examination of more than a few centimetres of the rectum and therefore a colonoscopy is recommended to evaluate the lumen of rectum and the sigmoid or descending colon and till the ascending colon. If there is a strong clinical suspicion of cancer in rectum and anal region then a CT scan with rectal and intravenous contrast is also required. This is because the CT scan will show the outer wall of rectum and colon in detail and the colonoscopy shows only the inner lumen of the rectum and colon. Now virtual colonoscopy is also available. Therefore a combination of investigations is required to make a confirmed diagnosis of rectal cancer if clinically suspected. Hope your query is answered. Please do write back if you have any doubts. Regards,