- Staging rectal cancer
- Chemoradiation for rectal cancer
- Rectal Cancer Surgery
- Rectal stage 0 and I
- Rectal stage II and III
- Select clinical trials for rectal cancer
Rectal Cancer Treatment
The colon (also known as the large intestine) is usually five to six feet long. It begins at the cecum and ends with the anus. The last 5 to 10 inches of the colon is known as the rectum.
Cancer located in the rectum is called rectal cancer. Cancer located in the rest of the colon is called colon cancer.
Rectal cancer is treated differently from colon cancer. Because of its location deep in the pelvis and closer to the muscle that closes the rectum (anal sphincter):
- Local recurrence is more likely
- Surgical techniques are different
- Chemoradiation is often part of treatment, either before or after surgery
- Permanent colostomy may be necessary if the tumor is very low in the rectum
- Temporary colostomy or ileostomy may be necessary to allow healing.
Image courtesy of Johns Hopkins Digestive Disease Library
Where Can You Go for More Information?
Colon and Rectal Cancer: Treatment Guidelines for Patients from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and the American Cancer Society.
National Cancer Institute: Rectal Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) has simple, patient-friendly information about rectal cancer staging and treatment.
Frankly Speaking about Colorectal Cancer, developed by The Wellness Community and C3 can be read online or a printed copy can be obtained by calling the C3 Answer Line at 877-4CRC-1111 (877-427-2111).
Last Update: January 12, 2009
Medical Review
Reviewed By: Joel Tepper, MD
Review Date: January 9, 2009
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