Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Rectal mass
Introduction
Masses in the rectum or anal canal should be considered cancer unless proven otherwise.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Epidemiology and Demographics
Colorectal cancer
- Second leading cause of mortality from cancer in the United States
- 40,000 death’s/year
Differential Diagnosis
Differential Diagnosis
In alphabetical order. [1] [2]
- Anal cancer
- Endometriosis
- Foreign body
- Hemorrhoids
- Presacral neurogenic tumor
- Prostatitis
- Rectal Cancer
- Rectal polyp
- Rectal intussusception
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
- History should include bowel changes and complete family history (focus on colorectal cancer)
- Bleeding is the most common symptom
- Stool or vomit black in color implies GI tract bleeding
- Blood on the toilet paper may indicate anal fissure or hemorrhoids
- Blood clots indicate bleeding in the colon
Laboratory Findings
- Labs include
- Fecal occult blood testing
Echocardiography or Ultrasound
- Endorectal ultrasound is essential to detecting potential rectal cancer
- Ultrasound is used to evaluate stage tumor invasion and lymph node status
Other Diagnostic Studies
- Endoscopy and/or colonoscopy
- Measuring the amount of pressure exerted by the anal sphincter via manometry may be necessary in patients suffering from incontinence
Treatment
Treatment
- Rectal masses can be treated by radiation and/or chemotherapy
Indications for Surgery
- Rectal and anal cancers are treated by surgery
- Hemmorhoids – rubber band ligation for internal hemorrhoids
- Large refractroy hemmorrhoids – surgery is indicated
- Acute thrombosis of hemmorrhoid – incision and drainage
References
References
Editor-In-Chief: Template:Search infobox C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] The content on this page was first contributed by C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [2]