Rectal Cancer — Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment in Lucknow
Rectal cancer affects the last several centimetres of the large bowel. Its treatment is more nuanced than colon cancer because of the rectum's confined position in the pelvis and its role in continence — which is precisely why it benefits from a specialist colorectal cancer surgeon.
Dr Sandeep Kumar Verma treats rectal cancer in Lucknow with a strong emphasis on sphincter preservation, helping most patients avoid a permanent stoma.
What is rectal cancer?
The rectum is the final section of the large intestine, just before the anus. Cancer here is managed carefully to remove the tumour completely while preserving — wherever oncologically safe — the muscles that control continence.
Treatment is often multimodal, combining radiotherapy and chemotherapy with surgery, decided by the stage and exact position of the tumour.
Symptoms to watch for
- Rectal bleeding, often mixed with the stool
- A change in bowel habit or narrowing of the stool
- A sensation of incomplete emptying after passing stool
- Mucus discharge or rectal discomfort
- Unexplained weight loss or anaemia
Causes & risk factors
- Age, and a family history of bowel cancer or polyps
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Inherited syndromes such as familial polyposis or Lynch syndrome
- A low-fibre, high-processed-meat diet, smoking and obesity
How it is diagnosed
- Colonoscopy with biopsy to confirm the cancer
- MRI of the pelvis — essential for precise rectal cancer staging
- CT of chest, abdomen and pelvis to check for spread
- CEA blood marker
How rectal cancer is treated
Many rectal cancers are treated with a short course of radiotherapy or combined chemo-radiotherapy first, to shrink the tumour, followed by surgery to remove the rectum with its surrounding tissue (total mesorectal excision). Sphincter-preserving techniques allow most patients to retain normal bowel continuity.
Where a temporary stoma is needed to protect the healing join, it is usually reversed a few weeks to months later.
As a rectal cancer surgeon in Lucknow, Dr Sandeep Kumar Verma prioritises sphincter-preserving surgery (total mesorectal excision) at Medanta wherever it is oncologically safe.
When to see a GI surgeon
- Rectal bleeding or mucus that persists
- A lasting change in bowel habit or stool calibre
- A feeling of incomplete evacuation
- Any of the above with weight loss or fatigue
Rectal Cancer: common questions
Will I definitely need a permanent stoma for rectal cancer?
In most cases, no. Modern sphincter-preserving surgery allows the majority of rectal cancer patients to keep normal bowel function. A permanent stoma is now reserved for tumours very close to the anal sphincter. Dr Verma will explain exactly what your tumour requires.
Why is MRI important for rectal cancer?
A pelvic MRI shows precisely how deep the tumour is and its relationship to surrounding structures. This guides whether you need radiotherapy before surgery and helps plan a sphincter-preserving operation.
Concerned about rectal cancer?
Dr Sandeep Kumar Verma offers clear assessment and expert treatment. Book a consultation for personalised advice.