What is Rectal Cancer?

Rectal cancer occurs when cells lining the inside of the rectum, begin to grow out of control. This can cause bleeding and/or blockage of the bowel. If these cells spread, they can be life-threatening.

How extensive is my cancer?

Based upon our x-ray studies, rectal ultrasound and colonoscopic findings:

Your tumor is:

☐ Limited to the bowel wall.

☐ Beginning to grow through the bowel wall.

☐ Does not involve lymph nodes.

☐ Shows possible spread to local lymph nodes.

☐ There is no sign of cancer spread elsewhere.

☐ There may be cancer spreading elsewhere.

When is Radiation and Chemotherapy used?

Radiation and chemotherapy are recommended when tumor is thought to be outside the bowel wall. Given before surgery, combined therapy can shrink the tumor, improving the chances for long term control of the tumor.