Rectal cancer affects the last part of the large bowel. Thanks to modern sphincter-preserving surgery, often combined with chemo-radiotherapy, most patients can be cured while keeping normal bowel function and avoiding a permanent stoma.
| Definition | Malignant tumour of the rectum (last part of the bowel) |
| Risk factors | Age, polyps, family history, inflammatory bowel disease |
| When to see a surgeon | Rectal bleeding, change in bowel habit, or a feeling of incomplete emptying |
| Curative option | Sphincter-preserving surgery ± chemo-radiotherapy |
What is rectal cancer?
Rectal cancer develops in the rectum, the final section of the large bowel just above the anus. Like colon cancer, it usually arises from polyps. Its location close to the anal sphincter makes precise, specialist surgery important to cure the cancer while preserving bowel control.
Symptoms & diagnosis
Typical symptoms are rectal bleeding, a change in bowel habit, a sensation of incomplete emptying, and narrow stools. Because these overlap with piles, any rectal bleeding should be assessed. Diagnosis involves colonoscopy with biopsy, and an MRI of the rectum to plan the precise surgical approach.
Treatment options
Modern treatment is highly effective. Many rectal cancers are treated with chemo-radiotherapy first to shrink the tumour, followed by precise sphincter-preserving surgery (often keyhole or robotic) that removes the cancer while keeping normal bowel function. A permanent stoma is now avoidable in the majority of cases.
Avoiding a permanent stoma
With careful staging and sphincter-preserving techniques, most patients keep normal bowel continuity. When a temporary stoma is needed to protect healing, it can usually be reversed later. Expert planning is key to balancing cure with quality of life.
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Last reviewed: June 2026Frequently asked questions
Most patients avoid a permanent stoma thanks to sphincter-preserving surgery. When a temporary stoma is used to protect healing, it can usually be reversed.
Both can cause rectal bleeding, but rectal cancer is a tumour that needs urgent assessment. This is why bleeding should never simply be assumed to be piles.
A rectal MRI shows exactly how far the tumour extends, allowing precise planning of chemo-radiotherapy and sphincter-preserving surgery.
Yes. With modern combined treatment, rectal cancer has a high cure rate, especially when detected early.
Rectal cancer surgery often combines surgery with chemotherapy/radiotherapy for the best outcome. Dr. Avinash Tank offers rectal cancer surgery, including sphincter-preserving techniques, at Dwarika Hospital, Ahmedabad.
रेक्टल कैंसर के इलाज में अक्सर सर्जरी के साथ कीमोथेरेपी/रेडियोथेरेपी को जोड़ा जाता है — स्फिंक्टर बचाने वाली तकनीकें भी उपलब्ध हैं।
Sphincter-preserving techniques ka use karke bowel control preserve karne ki koshish ki jaati hai, jahan clinically possible ho.
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