What are the early symptoms of rectal cancer

In the early stages of colorectal cancer, patients may experience changes in bowel habits, abnormal stool characteristics, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, anal incontinence, and other symptoms.

1. Changes in bowel habits: There will usually be changes in the frequency and time of bowel movements, as well as constipation and unexplained diarrhea.

2. Abnormal stool characteristics: The tumor protrudes into the rectal cavity, compressing the feces. The stool tends to become thinner and the shape may also change to become flat.

3. Blood in the stool: This is also one of the common early symptoms of rectal cancer, but it is easily ignored or misdiagnosed.

4. Abdominal pain: Patients mainly experience abdominal pain, which is mostly caused by tumor tissue invading surrounding organs.

5. Anal incontinence: If the lower rectal cancer infiltrates the anal canal, it can cause local pain. If it involves the anal sphincter, it can cause anal incontinence, with pus and blood often flowing out and contaminating the underwear.

Some patients with hemorrhoid cancer may also experience symptoms such as anemia and abdominal distension. Because these symptoms are not specific, they are difficult to detect. It is recommended that patients go to a regular hospital for examination as soon as possible after experiencing discomfort, so as to get a clear diagnosis and avoid delaying treatment.