Complications of Rectal Cancer

Overview

Rectal cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the rectum, which is the final part of the large intestine. It is a form of colorectal cancer. Rectal cancer and its treatment may be associated with complications.

Complications of rectal cancer include:

• Bleeding, which may lead to low blood counts (anemia)
• Intestinal blockage: If the tumor is large, it can block passage of stool
• Chronic diarrhea
• Secondary Cancers: Rectal cancer may increase the risk of developing secondary cancers affecting nearby tissues, lymph nodes, and organs such as the anus, colon, kidneys, lungs, small intestine, and vagina. Regular follow-up care and surveillance are essential to detect any signs of secondary cancers early on.

Complications of rectal cancer treatments include:

• Rectal cancer surgery, while effective in treating the disease, can sometimes lead to complications. Here are some common complications of rectal cancer surgery and ways to prevent or treat them:
  • Anastomotic Leakage (AL): This is one of the most frequent complications after rectal tumor resection. AL occurs when the connection between the remaining rectum and the colon (anastomosis) leaks, leading to serious consequences such as pelvic abscesses, peritonitis, sepsis, and even death. It can also cause long-term complications like anastomotic stenosis and bowel dysfunction. To prevent AL, surgeons have made significant progress in stapler technology, operation techniques, and perioperative management in recent years.
  • Defecation Disorders: Bowel dysfunction is a common complication after rectal cancer surgery. It can result from damage to the anal sphincter muscle and a reduction in rectal volume caused by surgical treatments like total mesorectal excision or preoperative radiation therapy. Defecation disorders can impose limits on daily activities and cause mental stress. One study reported that sacral nerve stimulation therapy could effectively alleviate defecation disorders.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy may cause fatigue, hair loss, easy bruising, immunosuppression, which increases risk of getting am infection.
• Radiation Therapy: Fatigue, Hair loss, nausea and vomiting, mouth problems, taste changes

To prevent or treat some complications:

• Consult with your doctor: If you have been diagnosed with rectal cancer or are undergoing treatment, it's important to have open communication with your healthcare team. They can provide personalized guidance based on your specific situation.
• Follow treatment guidelines: Adhere to recommended treatment guidelines such as total mesorectal excision for surgical resection and preoperative chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer. These approaches aim to minimize complications and improve outcomes.
• Consider targeted therapies: In cases where conventional treatments may not be effective or when tumors deteriorate after treatment, molecular targeted therapy and checkpoint blockade immunotherapy may be considered as alternative options for controlling tumor advancement.
• Maintain regular follow-up care: Regular check-ups and surveillance are crucial after treatment for rectal cancer. These appointments allow healthcare providers to monitor your progress, detect any signs of recurrence or secondary cancers early on, and intervene promptly if necessary.

Remember that each person's situation is unique, so it's important to consult with your doctor about any concerns or questions you may have regarding complications of rectal cancer and their prevention or treatment options.