What are the early symptoms of rectal cancer? Do you know the 4 common symptoms?

Rectal cancer is one of the common digestive tract tumors. The early symptoms of rectal cancer are relatively obvious. However, it is easy to be confused with other rectal diseases, such as hemorrhoids, chronic diarrhea, etc., thus delaying diagnosis and treatment. Do you know what the early symptoms of rectal cancer are?

1. Blood in the stool

Blood in the stool is the most common symptom of rectal cancer, but it is easy to be mistaken for hemorrhoids and delay treatment. Blood in the stool caused by rectal cancer is mostly red or dark red. There may be pus and blood in the stool, sometimes accompanied by blood clots or necrotic tissue. Many patients often think that blood in the stool and foreign body sensation in the anus are caused by hemorrhoids without obvious causes, ignoring the possibility of cancer.

2. Changes in bowel habits

Changes in bowel habits are also one of the common symptoms of rectal cancer. Cancerous masses and their secretions can irritate the intestines, causing frequent bowel movements, a feeling of incomplete bowel movements, and more diarrhea in the morning. It can even affect your sleep at night and change your bowel habits.

3. Intestinal stenosis and obstruction

As the tumor grows, it is easy to cause obstruction. Rectal ampulla cancer is mostly ulcerous. The ampulla of the rectum is relatively wide, and it is estimated that it will take about 1 to 2 years to cause stenosis and obstruction. The stool will become thinner, defecation will be difficult, constipation will occur, abdominal discomfort, bloating and pain will occur, and feces will accumulate in the upper part of the sigmoid colon where the obstruction occurs. Sometimes a cord-like mass can be felt in the left lower abdomen.

4. Anal pain and anal incontinence

If the lower rectal cancer infiltrates the anal canal, it can cause local pain. If it involves the anal sphincter, it can cause anal incontinence, with bloody stools often flowing out and contaminating underwear. Cancer infection or metastasis can cause enlargement of the inguinal lymph nodes.