Rectal Cancer
A 60-year-old male presents to the clinic with complaints of rectal bleeding and a change in bowel habits over the past three months. He reports alternating between diarrhea and constipation, along with a sensation of incomplete bowel movements. He also notes unexplained weight loss of 4 kg and occasional lower abdominal discomfort. There is no family history of colorectal cancer, and the patient denies any prior history of gastrointestinal conditions.
On physical examination, the patient appears well but slightly pale. A digital rectal exam reveals a palpable mass in the lower rectum. Laboratory tests show mild anemia. A colonoscopy is performed, revealing a friable mass in the rectum, and biopsies confirm the diagnosis of rectal adenocarcinoma. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed to assess for metastasis, showing no distant spread of the disease.
The patient is referred to an oncology team for further management. A treatment plan is developed, which includes neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgical resection. The patient is counseled on the treatment process, and preparations for the first phase of treatment are made.
a). Abdominal pain and bloating
b). Rectal bleeding and changes in bowel habits
c). Nausea and vomiting
d). Fatigue and fever
a). Normal rectal tone
b). Hemorrhoids
c). Palpable mass in the lower rectum
d). Impacted stool
a). Abdominal ultrasound
b). CT scan of the abdomen
c). Colonoscopy with biopsy
d). MRI of the pelvis
a). Surgical resection only
b). Palliative care
c). Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgical resection
d). Immunotherapy
