Does rectal cancer cause pain during bowel movements

Bowel movements in patients with rectal cancer may often be accompanied by pain, especially when the tumor increases in size or locally infiltrates nerves. The cause of bowel pain can be analyzed from the perspective of mechanical obstruction, inflammatory stimulation, or pathological damage caused by the tumor, and can be alleviated by combining medical interventions such as drug therapy, surgical treatment, and lifestyle management.

1. Causes of painful bowel movements

Painful bowel movements in rectal cancer are often related to local pathological changes caused by the tumor, including the following aspects:

- Mechanical obstruction: Rectal cancer tumors will continue to grow as the disease progresses, gradually compressing the intestinal cavity, resulting in poor stool excretion and the need to exert force during defecation. This physical compression can cause pain.

-Inflammation of tumor tissue: Tumors may cause an inflammatory response in the intestinal wall and surrounding tissues, irritating nerve endings and further exacerbating pain.

-Tumor invasion or ulceration: More advanced rectal cancer may invade the nerves around the rectum or form ulcers, causing direct tingling, burning pain, or persistent dull pain.

2. Pain relief methods

Comprehensive treatment and management measures should be taken according to the cause of the pain:

-Medication:

1. Painkillers: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) can be used for mild pain. Moderate to severe pain requires the use of weak opioids (such as tramadol) or strong opioids (such as morphine) under the guidance of a doctor.

2. Chemotherapy or targeted therapy: Control tumor growth and indirectly relieve pain through chemotherapy drugs (such as oxaliplatin, fluorouracil) or targeted drugs (such as bevacizumab).

3. Local medication: Such as the use of local anesthetic suppositories or rectal gels, which can effectively reduce local pain.

-Surgery:

1. Local resection: Suitable for patients with early rectal cancer, it can remove the tumor and relieve pressure.

2. Radical surgery: Patients in the middle and late stages of rectal cancer usually need to undergo radical surgery to relieve symptoms by removing the tumor and surrounding affected tissues.

3. Ostomy: If rectal obstruction or advanced cancer seriously affects defecation, ostomy surgery can be used to change the defecation route and reduce pain.

-Daily management:

1. Dietary adjustment: Choose high-fiber, low-fat, easily digestible foods to improve stool texture and reduce pressure during defecation.

2. Moderate exercise: Gentle exercises such as yoga and walking can help promote intestinal motility.

3. Psychological intervention: Cancer patients are prone to psychological stress. They can improve their tolerance to pain through psychological counseling or participation in a supportive treatment team.

Painful bowel movements caused by rectal cancer require personalized intervention measures based on the cause, such as medication, surgical intervention, and lifestyle management. If you or someone close to you experiences painful bowel movements and suspects rectal cancer, please seek medical attention and treatment as soon as possible to control the disease and relieve the pain. Reasonable medical intervention and good lifestyle management are very important to improve the patient's quality of life.