Rectal neoplasm refers to a medical term used to describe abnormal, uncontrolled growths or tumors that develop in the rectum. The rectum is the last section of the large intestine, connecting the colon to the anus. Neoplasms can be classified as either benign or malignant, with malignant neoplasms being cancerous.
Benign rectal neoplasms are non-cancerous growths that do not invade surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body. On the other hand, malignant rectal neoplasms are cancerous tumors that can invade nearby tissues, spread to lymph nodes, and potentially metastasize to other organs.
The most common type of rectal neoplasm is colorectal cancer, which usually begins as a benign polyp before becoming malignant over time. Other types of rectal neoplasms include adenocarcinomas, neuroendocrine tumors, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), melanomas, sarcomas, and lymphomas.
Symptoms of rectal neoplasms may include changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, persistent abdominal pain, unintentional weight loss, weakness, fatigue, and anemia. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history evaluation, physical examination, imaging tests, and tissue biopsy.
Treatment options for rectal neoplasms depend on the tumor's stage, size, location, and extent of spread. Common treatment modalities include surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and palliative care to alleviate symptoms and enhance the patient's quality of life.
Regular screening, lifestyle modifications, and early detection may play a crucial role in preventing the development or detecting rectal neoplasms at an early stage when treatment outcomes
