What is the difference between proctitis and rectal cancer?

Clinically, since the sites of proctitis and rectal cancer are relatively similar, many patients treat early rectal cancer as proctitis, missing the best time for treatment. In fact, as long as the main differences between proctitis and rectal cancer are understood, this situation can be prevented from occurring.

Experts have made a special analysis of the differences between proctitis and rectal cancer, which can help patients avoid misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis to a certain extent. Early detection and early diagnosis of rectal cancer can improve the diagnosis rate and cure rate of rectal cancer.

1. Definition and difference between proctitis and rectal cancer

Proctitis refers to inflammation of the rectal mucosa, muscular layer and surrounding tissues. Rectal cancer is a type of malignant tumor disease, which directly threatens the life and health of patients in the middle and late stages. Proctitis is often caused by anorectal diseases such as hemorrhoids, constipation, diarrhea, anal fistula, anorectal prolapse, and rectal tumors. Rectal cancer is mostly caused by the patient's unhealthy lifestyle, living environment, etc.

2. Differences in symptoms between proctitis and rectal cancer

Proctitis is a benign disease, while rectal cancer is a malignant disease. Clinical manifestations of both may include abdominal pain, blood in the stool, etc., but rectal cancer may also cause weight loss, intestinal obstruction, and even metastasis to other parts of the body.

3. Differences in prognosis between proctitis and rectal cancer

Proctitis is a chronic inflammation with a good prognosis, while rectal cancer is a malignant lesion with a poor prognosis. The treatment of rectal inflammation is mainly anti-inflammatory. Rectal cancer is mainly treated with surgical resection, supplemented by radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and cellular immunotherapy. The prognosis is also different.

It should be noted that if acute proctitis is not cured for a long time, it will turn into chronic proctitis. It will cause congestion and edema of the rectal mucosa → erosion of the rectal mucosa → severe erosion → rectal perforation, which will eventually lead to the occurrence of rectal cancer. Therefore, we should pay enough attention to daily physical examinations. After being diagnosed through digital anal examination and colonoscopy, chronic inflammation should also be given effective treatment immediately. Even if it is diagnosed with rectal cancer, there is no need to worry too much. With the continuous development of medical technology, through comprehensive treatment of surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and cellular immunotherapy. The overall cure rate of rectal cancer, the quality of life of patients after treatment, and the overall survival rate have been greatly improved.