This article provides information on the visual characteristics of rectal cancer. While visual understanding is helpful, a definitive diagnosis requires medical expertise and specialized procedures. We will discuss how rectal cancer can appear, the diagnostic methods used, how findings are interpreted, and when to seek medical advice.
Understanding the Visual Characteristics of Rectal Cancer
Rectal cancer can manifest as abnormal growths or changes in the tissue lining the rectum. These growths may begin as polyps, which are small clumps of cells that form on the lining of the colon or rectum. Some polyps have a higher potential to become cancerous.
When these growths become cancerous, they can present as distinct masses or tumors. The appearance may differ from healthy, pinkish rectal tissue, often showing changes in color, such as being redder, darker, or having a purplish hue. The surface of these growths might also appear irregular, ulcerated, or friable, meaning they bleed easily upon contact.
Bleeding from these lesions is a common visual sign, which can be observed as bright red blood in the stool or on toilet paper. The size and shape of these masses can vary significantly, from small, raised bumps to larger, more extensive growths that can narrow the rectal passage.
Diagnostic Procedures That Reveal Rectal Cancer
Medical professionals utilize various procedures to obtain visual evidence of rectal cancer and assess its extent. Endoscopic procedures are primary tools for direct visualization of the rectum and colon. A colonoscopy involves inserting a long, flexible tube with a camera, called a colonoscope, through the anus to examine the entire colon and rectum, allowing doctors to identify suspicious areas and take tissue samples. Similarly, a flexible sigmoidoscopy is a shorter procedure that examines only the rectum and the lower part of the colon.
Beyond direct visualization, other imaging techniques provide different types of “images” to help stage the cancer and determine if it has spread. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the pelvis offers detailed images of the rectal wall layers, surrounding muscles, and nearby lymph nodes, which is particularly useful for assessing the depth of tumor invasion and proximity to other structures. Computed Tomography (CT) scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis are used to check for cancer spread to distant organs like the liver or lungs. Endorectal ultrasound, performed from within the rectum, can provide information on how deep the cancer has grown into the rectal wall and if it affects nearby organs or lymph nodes.
Interpreting Visual Findings: Beyond the Image
Observing an abnormal growth or change in the rectum, even through medical imaging, does not provide a definitive cancer diagnosis on its own. Many conditions can visually resemble cancerous growths, including benign polyps, hemorrhoids, or inflammation from conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. These conditions can cause symptoms such as rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, or abdominal discomfort.
The only way to confirm a diagnosis of rectal cancer is through a biopsy, where a small tissue sample is taken from the suspicious area during an endoscopic procedure. This tissue is then examined under a microscope by a pathologist, a doctor specializing in diagnosing diseases by analyzing cells and tissues. The pathologist can determine if cancer cells are present, confirming the diagnosis and providing details about the specific type and characteristics of the cancer. This microscopic examination analyzes the cellular structure, providing a definitive diagnosis.
When to Seek Professional Medical Advice
It is important to seek professional medical advice if you experience any concerning symptoms related to your bowel habits. Changes in bowel patterns, such as new or persistent diarrhea or constipation, or a feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely, warrant evaluation. Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool, whether bright red or dark, also warrants medical attention.
Other signs, such as unexplained weight loss, persistent abdominal pain or cramping, or stools that appear narrower than usual, should also be discussed with a doctor. While these symptoms can be caused by various less serious conditions, professional medical consultation is necessary to determine the underlying cause and rule out rectal cancer.