colorretal

The term colorectal refers to the colon and rectum, the parts of the large intestine responsible for absorbing water and electrolytes and forming stool. The colon is the long portion, and the rectum is the final segment that stores stool before defecation.

Common colorectal conditions include colorectal cancer and polyps, inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, diverticular disease, and hemorrhoids. Symptoms can include blood in the stool, persistent changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, or weight loss, though many conditions may be asymptomatic and detected through routine screening or imaging.

Screening and early detection are central to prevention and effective treatment. Guidelines typically recommend average-risk screening starting in the mid-to-late 40s to 50s, with methods such as colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, CT colonography, or stool-based tests (for example FIT or FOBT). Colorectal polyps can be identified and removed during colonoscopy, reducing the risk of progression to cancer.

Diagnosis relies on procedures such as colonoscopy with biopsy, imaging studies, and laboratory tests. Treatment varies by condition and stage. Colorectal cancer may involve surgery to remove tumors, followed by chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or targeted therapies. Polyps are usually removed during colonoscopy. Inflammatory bowel disease is managed with medications to reduce inflammation, including aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and biologics. Diverticular disease may require antibiotics if infected, pain management, and dietary adjustments, while hemorrhoids are treated with conservative care or procedural interventions when needed.

Prognosis depends on the specific disease and, for cancer, the stage at diagnosis. Early detection generally improves outcomes, and ongoing research continues to refine screening methods and treatment options.