Symptoms of rectal cancer stage 1, 2, 3 and 4

The symptoms of rectal cancer vary significantly in different stages, with milder symptoms in the early stages and more severe symptoms in the late stages.

1. Stage 1 symptoms: In the first stage of rectal cancer, the symptoms are usually not obvious. There may be slight blood in the stool, but it is often mistaken for hemorrhoids. Some people may also feel a change in bowel habits, such as increased frequency of constipation or diarrhea. The tumor at this stage has not spread yet and is confined to the rectal wall.

2. Second stage symptoms: In the second stage, the tumor begins to invade deeper into the rectal wall. At this time, the symptoms of blood in the stool will become more obvious, and the color may turn dark red or black. You may feel pain or discomfort when defecating, and you may also have dull pain or bloating in the abdomen. Some patients may experience alternating abdominal distension, diarrhea, or constipation.

3. Stage III symptoms: The symptoms of stage III rectal cancer are more severe. The tumor may have spread to the surrounding lymph nodes. The patient may experience persistent abdominal pain, and the pain during bowel movements may increase. Blood in the stool may become more frequent and the amount of blood may increase. Weight loss, loss of appetite, and fatigue may also occur. Tumors at this stage can cause intestinal blockage, resulting in severe constipation or intestinal obstruction.

4. Stage IV symptoms: Stage IV is the advanced stage of rectal cancer, when the tumor has spread to distant organs such as the liver, lungs, or bones. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, persistent blood in the stool, significant weight loss, and extreme fatigue. Patients may experience jaundice, difficulty breathing, or bone pain. Treatment at this stage is very difficult and is mainly focused on relieving symptoms and prolonging life.

In order to increase the early detection rate of rectal cancer, it is very important to have regular physical examinations and pay attention to the signals sent by the body. If you experience unexplained blood in your stool, persistent abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits, it is recommended to see a doctor as soon as possible. In addition, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, such as consuming more fiber-rich foods, avoiding high-fat diets, and exercising moderately, can also help reduce the risk of rectal cancer.

In general, the symptoms of rectal cancer gradually worsen as the disease progresses, and early detection and treatment are the key to improving the cure rate.