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Current Clinical Trials in Radiotherapy for Rectal Cancer

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Coloproctology

Part of the book series: Springer Specialist Surgery Series ((SPECIALIST))

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Abstract

Initial evaluation of patients with rectal cancer should include careful history and physical examination. Attention should be given to symptoms specific to rectal cancer, such as spontaneous passage of red blood with or without defecation, bloody mucous discharge, change in bowel habit and stool caliber, constipation, diarrhea, tenesmus, and incomplete emptying. Some patients may present with genitourinary symptoms or pain in the buttocks or perineum. It is important to obtain a personal and family history of colorectal cancer, colonic polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease.

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Correspondence to Maher A. Abbas MD, FACS, FASCRS .

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Rao, A., Abbas, M.A. (2010). Current Clinical Trials in Radiotherapy for Rectal Cancer. In: Zbar, A., Wexner, S. (eds) Coloproctology. Springer Specialist Surgery Series. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84882-756-1_5

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