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Rectal Cancer

Serving Jersey Village residents, GastroDoxs provides expert rectal cancer screening, precise diagnosis, and tailored treatment plans designed to meet local community needs, ensuring timely intervention, compassionate support, and seamless coordination with nearby specialists for comprehensive quality care you can trust.

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Texas Medical Board
Harris County Medical Society
American College of Gastroenterology
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Memorial hermann
Houston Methodist leading Medicine
HCA Houston Healthcare
Bharat Pothuri
Symptoms

What Is Rectal Cancer?

Rectal cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in the last part of your large intestine-the rectum. These cells can form tumors that block your bowels or spread to other areas of the body. Early diagnosis and treatment improve survival. At GastroDoxs in Jersey Village, our specialist offers expert screening and personalized care plans.

Common Symptoms

You may not notice symptoms right away. If you experience any of the following, talk to a rectal cancer specialist near Jersey Village:

  • Blood in your stool
  • Ongoing constipation or diarrhea
  • A feeling that your bowels don't fully empty
  • Itching or irritation around the rectum
  • Narrow, ribbon-like stools
  • Fatigue and unexplained weight loss

Causes

While the exact cause of rectal cancer isn't always clear, several factors can raise your risk:

  • Age over 50
  • Family history of colorectal cancer
  • A diet high in red or processed meats
  • Long-standing inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's or ulcerative colitis)
  • Smoking and heavy alcohol use
Treatment

Treatment Options for Rectal Cancer in Jersey Village

Treatment includes advanced medical and supportive care:

  • Minimally invasive surgery: Techniques like laparoscopic or robotic surgery remove tumors with smaller incisions and faster recovery.
  • Chemotherapy and radiation: Often combined before or after surgery to shrink tumors and kill remaining cancer cells.
  • Targeted medications or immunotherapy: Personalized drugs that attack cancer cells or boost your immune response.
  • Stoma care and training: For patients who need a temporary or permanent colostomy, our nurses provide hands-on support and supplies.
  • Nutrition support and symptom management: Dietitians and clinicians help you maintain strength, manage weight changes, and control side effects like nausea or diarrhea.
  • Follow-up and surveillance: Regular imaging (MRI/CT) and blood tests (CEA levels) track your progress and catch any recurrence early.

Take the First Step Toward Better Health

Early detection and treatment of rectal cancer can make all the difference. At GastroDoxs in Jersey Village, our expert team provides personalized screening, advanced diagnostics, and tailored treatment plans to help you face this challenge with confidence. Don't wait-book your appointment today and start your journey toward peace of mind and improved well-being.

1.5k

Patients Treated

We've successfully treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.

20Y

Years of Experience

With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients

Bharat Pothuri

About the Author

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is rectal cancer different from hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus that often cause painless bright red bleeding and itching. Rectal cancer bleeding may be darker, mixed with stool, and is frequently accompanied by other symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, persistent changes in bowel habits, or a feeling of incomplete evacuation.

Can rectal itching mean cancer?

While occasional itching is usually due to irritation, hemorrhoids, or skin conditions, persistent or worsening rectal itching can sometimes signal an underlying growth or lesion. If itching lasts more than a week or is accompanied by other symptoms, consult a gastroenterologist for evaluation.

Where can I see rectal cancer pictures?

You can view clinical images on reputable medical websites such as the American Cancer Society or the National Cancer Institute. It's important to review any findings with your doctor, who can explain what you're seeing and how it relates to your condition.

What does Stage IIIC mean?

Stage IIIC rectal cancer indicates the tumor has penetrated through the rectal wall and spread to four or more nearby lymph nodes but has not yet metastasized to distant organs. Treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

What is Stage IV rectal cancer?

Stage IV, also known as metastatic rectal cancer, means the cancer has spread beyond nearby lymph nodes to distant organs such as the liver or lungs. Although it's more advanced, many patients still benefit from systemic treatments and targeted therapies.

What is Stage IV rectal cancer life expectancy?

Advances in chemotherapy, targeted drugs, and immunotherapy have extended lives, with many patients living two years or more after diagnosis. Individual prognosis varies based on factors like overall health, response to treatment, and the extent of disease spread.

What are the stages of rectal cancer?

Rectal cancer stages range from I to IV. Stage I and II are confined to the rectal wall, Stage III involves nearby lymph nodes, and Stage IV involves distant metastases. Staging guides treatment decisions and helps predict outcomes.

How does age affect survival?

Younger patients often tolerate aggressive treatments better and may experience higher survival rates. However, older adults can also achieve strong outcomes with tailored care plans, proper nutrition support, and close monitoring.

What is the survival rate for Stage III rectal cancer?

With modern multimodal therapy-surgery combined with chemotherapy and radiation-5-year survival rates for Stage III rectal cancer can reach 60-70%. Early detection and adherence to treatment protocols improve these outcomes.

Where can I find a rectal cancer doctor near Jersey Village?

At GastroDoxs in Jersey Village, our skilled rectal cancer specialists offer on-site imaging, endoscopy, personalized care plans, and a supportive team to guide you through screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Book an appointment today.

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