Despite similarities, outcomes and treatment can vary
When cancer cells develop in thecolon, it is calledcolon cancer.
Likewise,rectal canceris when cancer cells develop in therectum.
Sometimes believed to be the same disease, there are distinct differences between the two diagnoses.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Colorectal cancerrefers to cancers of the large intestine, including colon cancer and rectal cancer.
This article will review the differences and similarities between rectal and colon cancer.
Colon cancers start in the first (and longest) part of the large intestine.
Rectal cancers, on the other hand, start in the last several inches of the large intestine.
The blood supply,lymphatic drainage, and nerve supply of the colon and rectum are not the same.
A larger number of men than women develop rectal cancer.
Disease Recurrence
When cancer comes back after treatment and surgery, it is called diseaserecurrence.
Since rectal tumors are close to blood vessels, they easily spread.
Colostomy
People who undergo surgery for rectal cancer have a greater chance of having a permanentcolostomy.
Treatment
Summary
Colorectal cancer is a term used to describe both colon and rectal cancer.
Both cancers affect the large intestine.
Screening for rectal and colon cancer is essential to early detection and treatment.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have blood in your stool, abdominal pain, or suffer from constipation.
Considering these genetic mutations is vital for scientists and future cancer treatment.
A CT scan is best for detecting colorectal cancers, but an MRI is useful in staging colorectal cancers.
Noncancerous tumors, such as polyps and adenomatous polyps are commonly found in the colon and rectum.
Although many benign tumors don’t cause symptoms they may need to be removed.
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