What is the difference between rectal and colon cancer

Polyps may be removed during a colonoscopy. A variety of laboratory and imaging tests may be used to diagnose cancer of the rectum and determine the stage of the disease. Commonly used procedures and tools include:. Learn more about colorectal cancer stages and diagnostic procedures.

Treatment for rectal cancer often depends on the stage of the disease and the extent to which it has developed. Treatment options include:. If cancer of the rectum is found early, active surveillance may be an option for some patients. During active surveillance, a doctor closely monitors the patient to look for signs that the cancer is growing. Learn more about treatment options for colorectal cancer. Rectal cancer symptoms and the side effects of treatment may impact your quality of life.

For rectal cancer patients, these services may include:. Understanding when symptoms are a sign of something serious and either diagnosing the disease or confirming a previous diagnosis require expertise from professionals trained and experienced in treating rectal cancer. Make a difference in the fight against cancer by donating to cancer research.

Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references AskMayoExpert. Colorectal cancer: Screening and management adult. Mayo Clinic; Rectal cancer. National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

Accessed April 21, Niederhuber JE, et al. Cancer of the rectum. In: Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. Elsevier; Accessed April 20, Bleday R, et al. Rectal cancer: Surgical techniques. Accessed April 23, Rectal cancer treatment PDQ. National Cancer Institute. Holman FA, et al. Results of a pooled analysis of IOERT containing multimodality treatment for locally recurrent rectal cancer: Results of patients of two major treatment centers. European Journal of Surgical Oncology. For questions about colon or rectal cancer or to schedule an appointment, call the Cancer AnswerLine at Cancer Care.

Shelley Zalewski. March 21, AM. Location of the colorectal cancer matters The rectum is the last 12 centimeters of the large intestine. Cancer treatment strategies differ When rectal cancer is identified before symptoms develop, the treatment priority is lowering the risk of local growth and spread.

Cancer screening is paramount Regardless of whether cancer is found in the colon or the rectum, the best chance at successful treatment is finding it early, before symptoms develop. Her tips: Know your existing colorectal cancer risk, and become familiar with the latest screening guidelines.

While many people may be familiar with colonoscopy as a common form of screening for colon and rectal cancers, there are also non-invasive options for screening, including a stool DNA test, fecal immunochemical tests, and CT colonography. Major guidelines encourage patients and healthcare providers to select the best screening test for the patient by talking about the options. Knowing your risk factors and getting screened are the keys to diagnosing colon and rectal cancer early, when they are most treatable.

If caught early, the survival rate for colorectal cancer is 90 percent—as opposed to less than 10 percent if caught in the latest stage. Again, anatomy plays a role. The stage of cancer—or how much the cancer has spread—is one of the most important ways to define severity.

Overall, the rectum is much shorter than the colon and in a tighter spot in the body, making it potentially easier for the cancer to spread to surrounding tissue. In general, rectal cancer can be more difficult to treat and cure and may recur for as many 55 percent of people.