peräsuolensyöpä

Peräsuolensyöpä, also known as rectal cancer, is a type of cancer that forms in the tissues of the rectum. The rectum is the final section of the large intestine, terminating at the anus. Like other cancers, it arises from uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells.

The exact cause of peräsuolensyöpä is not fully understood, but several risk factors have been identified. These include advanced age, a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, and certain genetic syndromes like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). Lifestyle factors such as a diet low in fiber and high in red and processed meats, lack of physical activity, obesity, smoking, and heavy alcohol consumption are also associated with an increased risk.

Symptoms of peräsuolensyöpä can vary and may include changes in bowel habits (such as persistent diarrhea or constipation), rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, abdominal pain or discomfort, a feeling of incomplete bowel emptying, and unexplained weight loss. In some cases, the cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms until it has progressed to a more advanced stage.

Diagnosis typically involves a medical history, physical examination, and specific tests. These may include a digital rectal exam, sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy to visualize the rectum and colon and take biopsies, and imaging studies like CT scans or MRIs to assess the extent of the cancer. Blood tests, including a carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test, may also be used.

Treatment options depend on the stage of the cancer and the patient's overall health. They commonly include surgery to remove the cancerous tumor, radiation therapy to kill cancer cells, and chemotherapy to shrink the tumor or kill remaining cancer cells. Sometimes a combination of these treatments is used. Early detection through regular screening, especially for individuals with increased risk factors, is crucial for improving outcomes.