Editing Patient Pathways: Rectal Cancer (section)

== 1. Diagnosis ==

The patient presents with symptoms such as changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or a feeling of incomplete evacuation), blood in the stool, pain in the abdomen or rectum, unexplained weight loss, weakness, and fatigue.

'''Consultation with a general practitioner (GP):''' The patient visits their GP.

'''Medical history and physical examination:''' A detailed patient history is taken.

'''Initial tests:''' Colonoscopy and non-invasive tests.

'''Referral to a specialist'''

Referral to a radiologist and oncologist.

'''Diagnostic Evaluation'''

* Digital rectal exam (DRE)
* Endoscopy with biopsy for histopathological confirmation
* CT, MRI of the liver and abdomen - to locate potential metastases
* Endoscopic rectal ultrasound - to define early stages of treatment
* Pelvic MRI - to define the locoregional clinical stage.

<span id="treatment"></span>