Rectal cancer starts when cells in the rectum-the final segment of the large intestine-grow uncontrollably. These cells can form tumors, invade nearby tissues, and spread to other organs if not caught early.
Early signs of rectal cancer can be subtle. Watch for:
The exact cause of rectal cancer is unknown, but certain factors can raise your risk:
Don't wait-early action saves lives. Schedule your appointment with our rectal cancer specialists in Katy at GastroDoxs today. We offer on-site imaging, personalized treatment plans, and dedicated support at every stage of your care. Book now and let us help you chart a path toward recovery.
We've successfully treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
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.
On average, the five-year survival rate for stage 3 rectal cancer ranges from 70 % to 80 %. Younger patients often respond better and have slightly higher rates within this range.
The prognosis for stage 4 rectal cancer varies widely depending on overall health, tumor biology, and treatment response. Advances in chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy mean many patients live longer than in the past.
The five-year survival rate for stage 4 rectal cancer is approximately 14 % to 20 %. Individual outcomes depend on factors such as overall health, metastasis sites, and the treatments used.
The most common types include adenocarcinoma (the vast majority of cases), squamous cell carcinoma, neuroendocrine tumors, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs).
Preventive measures include eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; staying physically active; avoiding red and processed meats; refraining from smoking and heavy alcohol use; and getting regular colorectal screenings starting at the age recommended by your doctor.
The ICD-10 code for rectal cancer is C20. This code is used for insurance billing and helps ensure accurate documentation of your diagnosis.
Yes-especially when detected early. Many early-stage rectal cancers can be cured with surgery, often combined with radiation or chemotherapy. Even some advanced cases respond well and can achieve long-term remission.
Radiation therapy is commonly given before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink the tumor and improve surgical outcomes, or after surgery (adjuvant) to destroy any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.
A CT scan provides detailed cross-sectional images that help your physician evaluate the size and exact location of the tumor, as well as check for spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant organs.
Both can cause rectal bleeding, but only a medical evaluation-including a physical exam, colonoscopy, or imaging-can definitively distinguish between hemorrhoids and rectal cancer.
