Expert Care for Rectal Cancer

Rectal cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the rectum — the final several inches of the large intestine that connects the colon to the anus. It is closely related to colon cancer, and the two are often grouped together as "colorectal cancer," though rectal cancer has its own distinct diagnostic and treatment considerations due to the rectum's location deep within the pelvis.

At AIROC Hospitals, our colorectal oncology team combines advanced diagnostic imaging, minimally invasive surgical techniques, and coordinated multidisciplinary care to treat rectal cancer effectively while focusing on preserving bowel and sphincter function whenever possible.

Rectal cancer usually develops slowly, often beginning as a benign growth called a polyp on the inner lining of the rectum. Over time, some polyps can become cancerous. Because early rectal cancer frequently causes no symptoms, routine screening plays a critical role in catching the disease before it progresses.

At AIROC Hospitals, we are committed to guiding patients through every step of their rectal cancer journey — from screening and diagnosis to treatment and long-term recovery — with expert care and compassion.

Types

Rectal cancer is classified based on the type of cell in which it originates. The main types include:

• Adenocarcinoma – The most common type, accounting for the vast majority of rectal cancers; it develops in the glandular cells that line the inside of the rectum.
• Carcinoid Tumors – Slow-growing tumors that arise from hormone-producing cells in the rectal lining.
• Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs) – Rare tumors that develop in the connective tissue or muscle layers of the rectal wall.
• Lymphoma – A rare cancer that begins in the immune cells of the rectal tissue.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma – An uncommon type that develops from flat cells, more frequently seen near the anal-rectal junction.

Rectal cancer is further categorized by stage (0 through IV), based on how deeply the tumor has grown into the rectal wall and whether it has spread to lymph nodes or distant organs — an important factor in determining treatment at AIROC Hospitals.

Symptoms and Causes

Symptoms

Early rectal cancer may not cause any symptoms. As the tumor grows, common warning signs include:

• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
• A persistent change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of stools
• A feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
• Abdominal discomfort, cramping, or bloating
• Unexplained weight loss
• Weakness or fatigue
• Pain or pressure in the rectal or pelvic area

Because these symptoms can also result from hemorrhoids, infections, or other non-cancerous conditions, prompt evaluation at AIROC Hospitals is important for an accurate diagnosis.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of rectal cancer is not always known, but it develops when genetic mutations cause rectal cells to grow and divide abnormally. Known risk factors include:

• Age – Risk increases significantly after age 45–50.
• Personal or Family History – A history of colorectal polyps, colorectal cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) raises risk.
• Genetic Syndromes – Conditions such as Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) significantly increase risk.
• Diet – Diets high in red or processed meats and low in fiber are associated with higher risk.
• Sedentary Lifestyle and Obesity – Lack of physical activity and excess body weight contribute to increased risk.
• Smoking and Alcohol Use – Both are linked to a higher likelihood of developing rectal cancer.
• Type 2 Diabetes – Associated with an elevated risk of colorectal cancer.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis

At AIROC Hospitals, our specialists use a thorough, step-by-step diagnostic process to confirm rectal cancer and determine its stage:

• Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) – An initial physical check for abnormalities in the rectum.
• Colonoscopy – Allows direct visualization of the rectum and colon, with the ability to take tissue samples.
• Biopsy – Confirms the presence of cancer cells and provides details on tumor type and grade.
• Endorectal Ultrasound – Evaluates how deeply a tumor has invaded the rectal wall.
• MRI of the Pelvis – Provides detailed imaging to assess tumor size, location, and lymph node involvement.
• CT Scan – Checks whether cancer has spread to other organs, such as the liver or lungs.
• Blood Tests (including CEA) – Measures tumor markers that help monitor disease activity and treatment response.

Treatment

Treatment at AIROC Hospitals is personalized based on the cancer's stage, location within the rectum, and the patient's overall health. Options include:

• Surgery – The primary treatment for most rectal cancers; approaches include local excision for early tumors and more extensive procedures such as low anterior resection or abdominoperineal resection for larger or more advanced tumors, performed with minimally invasive and robotic-assisted techniques when appropriate.
• Radiation Therapy – Often used before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink tumors or after surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy – Used alone or combined with radiation (chemoradiation) to treat advanced disease or reduce the risk of recurrence.
• Targeted Therapy – Drugs that target specific molecular features of the cancer, used primarily in advanced or metastatic cases.
• Immunotherapy – An emerging option for select rectal cancers with specific genetic markers, such as microsatellite instability (MSI-high) tumors.
• Sphincter-Preserving Techniques – Whenever possible, our surgeons prioritize approaches that maintain normal bowel function and quality of life.

A dedicated multidisciplinary tumor board at AIROC Hospitals — including colorectal surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and gastroenterologists — works together to design the most effective and personalized treatment plan for each patient.

Prevention and Risk Factors

While not all cases of rectal cancer can be prevented, several proactive steps can significantly lower risk and support early detection:

• Get Screened Regularly – Colonoscopy and other screening tests can detect and remove precancerous polyps before they become cancerous.
• Eat a Fiber-Rich Diet – Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting red and processed meats.
• Stay Physically Active – Regular exercise helps reduce colorectal cancer risk.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight – Obesity is a known risk factor for rectal cancer.
• Limit Alcohol and Avoid Tobacco – Both are strongly linked to increased risk.
• Manage Chronic Conditions – Proper management of inflammatory bowel disease and diabetes can help reduce risk.
• Know Your Family History – Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer or genetic syndromes should discuss earlier and more frequent screening with their doctor.

At AIROC Hospitals, we emphasize that routine screening starting at the recommended age — or earlier for high-risk individuals — remains the most effective way to detect rectal cancer early, when treatment success rates are highest.

This content is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider at AIROC Hospitals for personalized diagnosis and treatment recommendations.