Rectal cancer develops in the last few inches of large intestine. Most tumors start as benign polyps that can become cancerous. Common symptoms include bowel habit changes and rectal bleeding
Surgery removes part of rectum and sigmoid colon while reconnecting remaining rectum. Used for stage 2-3 rectal tumors in middle, superior, and inferior rectum. Performed under general anesthesia with multiple small belly incisions. Colon is reconnected to remaining rectum, eliminating need for permanent colostomy
Rectal wall consists of mucosa, submucosa and muscularis propria layers. Tumour stage (T) determined by depth of invasion into different layers. Normal rectal wall appears two-layered on MRI, total thickness 2-3 mm. T1-2 tumours often reported together due to limited visibility
MRI used for recurrent rectal carcinoma, preoperative treatment, and neoadjuvant therapy. Contraindications include implanted devices, pregnancy, and metallic objects
Rectal cancer is predominantly adenocarcinoma (98%), with increasing incidence in younger patients. Disease presents with altered bowel habits or rectal bleeding. Male predilection exists, unlike other large bowel cancers
MRI is most accurate tool for rectal cancer staging and treatment selection. Total mesorectal excision (TME) is standard surgical treatment. Low risk tumors (T1-2) generally don't require neoadjuvant treatment. Intermediate risk tumors benefit from 5x5 Gy radiotherapy before TME. High risk tumors (T3-4) need long-course chemoradiotherapy