Colorectal Cancer

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Overview

The rectum is part of the digestive tract. It is comprised of the last 6-8 inches (15-20 centimeters) of the large colon. Cancer that originates in the colon or rectum may be called rectal cancer, colon cancer, or colorectal cancer. Because treatment and progression of colon cancer and rectal cancer may be different, they are often reported separately.


Anatomy

The rectum is approximately 15 centimeters (6 inches) in length. For the purpose of treatment, the organ often is di...Read the full article