ISSN: 2574-8009
Authors: Bhusal S*
Rectum is the distal part of the large intestine, placed between the sigmoid colon and large gut. It serves as a temporary reservoir for fecal contents. Rectal carcinoma is the second most common cancer of large intestine accounting for 28% of the cases. Large numbers of cases are asymptomatic in early stages. Extension of rectal tumors into adjacent organs or into the lumen of GI tract leads to symptomatic presentation. In regard to the improved access to and use of screening and standard treatment, overall incidence rate has decreased by approximate 3% per year during the past decade. The location and adjacent structure to the rectum makes the treatment of rectal carcinoma different to that of tumors located in other part of GI Tract. In this article, the anatomy and physiology of rectum, risk factors, pathogenesis, clinical types, clinical features, screening, diagnosis, spread, staging and treatment of rectal carcinoma are reviewed along with the prognosis.
Keywords: Aetiology; Rectal Carcinoma; Staging; Screening; Prognosis
