Rectal cancer symptoms male
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Rectal Cancer Symptoms in Males: An Overview
Common Symptoms of Rectal Cancer in Males
Rectal Bleeding and Pain
Rectal bleeding and pain are among the most common symptoms experienced by males with rectal cancer. These symptoms can often be mistaken for other gastrointestinal issues, making early diagnosis challenging. In some cases, rectal pain and bleeding may also be indicative of other conditions such as prostate cancer, which can present with similar gastrointestinal symptoms and a rectal mass.
Changes in Bowel Habits
Males with rectal cancer frequently report changes in bowel habits, including increased stool frequency, faecal leakage, and the need for pads. These symptoms are often exacerbated by treatments such as preoperative radiotherapy (PRT) and total mesorectal excision (TME). Post-surgery, patients may experience long-term bowel dysfunction, which significantly impacts their quality of life.
Delayed Symptom Recognition
A notable issue in the diagnosis of rectal cancer in males is the delay in recognizing the seriousness of symptoms. Studies have shown that males, particularly those with low trait anxiety, tend to take longer to seek medical attention after noticing symptoms. This delay can lead to a more advanced stage of cancer at the time of diagnosis, complicating treatment and prognosis.
Sexual Dysfunction Post-Treatment
Erectile and Ejaculatory Dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction is a significant concern for male patients undergoing rectal cancer treatment. A high percentage of males report erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory problems post-surgery. These issues are often linked to nerve damage during surgical procedures, blood loss, anastomotic leakage, and the presence of a stoma. Additionally, preoperative radiotherapy has been associated with increased sexual dysfunction.
Impact of Surgical Techniques
The type of surgical technique used can influence the extent of sexual dysfunction. For instance, mesorectal excision (ME) with or without lateral lymph node dissection (LLND) has been studied, showing that both techniques result in a high incidence of sexual dysfunction, with age being a significant risk factor. Despite these findings, LLND does not appear to increase the incidence of sexual dysfunction compared to ME alone.
Long-Term Quality of Life
Persistent Symptoms
Long-term health-related quality of life (HRQL) studies indicate that treatment-related symptoms, such as bowel dysfunction and sexual dysfunction, persist many years after treatment. Males who underwent PRT and TME reported more erection problems and a decrease in overall sexual activity and enjoyment compared to the general population.
Management of Bowel Symptoms
Managing bowel symptoms post-surgery often requires a combination of strategies. Sacral nerve stimulation is one of the most common management options for faecal incontinence, but multiple approaches may be necessary to effectively address the range of bowel symptoms experienced by patients.
Conclusion
Rectal cancer in males presents with a range of symptoms, including rectal bleeding, pain, and changes in bowel habits. Delayed recognition of these symptoms can complicate treatment outcomes. Post-treatment, sexual dysfunction and persistent bowel issues significantly impact the quality of life. Effective management of these symptoms requires a multifaceted approach, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and comprehensive post-treatment care.
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