3 common symptoms of recurrence of rectal cancer after surgery

Rectal cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors of the digestive tract. Surgery is its main treatment method. However, due to the limitation of surgical resection range or other reasons, there is often a certain recurrence rate. When rectal cancer recurs after surgery, there are often the following three symptoms, which should be taken seriously.

1. Pain

Pain is the most common initial symptom of postoperative recurrence of rectal cancer. When rectal cancer recurs after surgery, patients often experience anal prolapse, sacral and coccygeal pain, and the pain radiates to the lower limbs.

2. Changes in bowel habits and blood in stool

Digital rectal examination is the most commonly used diagnostic method for postoperative recurrence of rectal cancer. During digital rectal examination, blood will be found on the fingertip. Most patients with postoperative recurrence of rectal cancer can also find varying degrees of blood in their stools, or changes in bowel habits, such as changes in the frequency of bowel movements or changes in stool characteristics, etc.

3. Lump

In patients with recurrent rectal cancer after surgery, a nodular mass with a hard texture and tenderness can be felt under the anus during digital rectal examination.