Early symptoms and signs of rectal cancer

The early symptoms and precursors of rectal cancer mainly include abdominal lumps, changes in bowel habits, gastrointestinal symptoms, intestinal symptoms, systemic symptoms, etc.

1. Abdominal mass: Patients with early-stage rectal cancer may sometimes find an abdominal mass, which is a cancerous tumor or a mass that has infiltrated and adhered to the omentum and surrounding tissues.

2. Changes in bowel habits: Because the growth of tumors in the intestines will hinder the excretion of feces, which will lead to changes in bowel habits, such as increased frequency of bowel movements, or diarrhea, constipation, or even alternating symptoms.

3. Gastrointestinal symptoms: Patients may experience abdominal pain, bloating, and gastrointestinal bleeding.

4. Intestinal symptoms: Affected by the tumor, the patient may feel a sense of anal prolapse and incomplete defecation. In addition, a large amount of mucus may be secreted in the intestine, resulting in mucus or foam during defecation, or persistent and chronic mucus and blood in the stool.

5. Systemic symptoms: Because rectal cancer is a wasting disease, patients may experience symptoms such as fatigue, unexplained anemia, emaciation, and weight loss.

These symptoms are not unique to rectal cancer, and other intestinal diseases may also cause similar symptoms. Once the above uncomfortable symptoms occur, it is recommended to go to the hospital for examination in time to make a clear diagnosis.

Note: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as a balanced diet, moderate exercise, avoiding smoking and excessive drinking, can also help prevent the occurrence of rectal cancer.