Rectal Cancer Specialist
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Boca Care Surgical Associates of Palm Beach County
Avraham Belizon, MD, FACS, FASCRS
Colon and Rectal Surgeon & Minimally Invasive Surgery located in Boca Raton, FL
Over 43,000 new cases of rectal cancer are diagnosed each year. Experienced colon and rectal surgeon Avraham Belizon, MD, FACS, FASCRS, treats rectal cancer at Boca Care Surgical Associates of Palm Beach County in Boca Raton, Florida. Dr. Belizon specializes in robotic and minimally invasive surgical techniques for the removal of cancerous tissue and polyps to prevent the spread of cancer. Learn more about treatment options for rectal cancer by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.
Rectal Cancer Q&A
What is rectal cancer?
Your rectum is the last part of your digestive system that makes it possible for you to eliminate waste (stool) from your body. Rectal cancer occurs when cancerous cells form in the tissues that line your rectum.
You may be at increased risk for colon cancer if you have a personal history of other types of cancer or if you have a family history of colon or rectal cancer.
Other risk factors for rectal cancer include:
- Aging
- Obesity
- Smoking
- A history of polyps
You may also be at increased risk for rectal cancer if you have underlying intestinal conditions, including ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
What are the symptoms of rectal cancer?
In the early stages of rectal cancer, you may not experience any symptoms at all.
However, as the disease progresses, you may have:
- Frequent diarrhea
- Chronic constipation
- Narrow-shaped stools
- Changes in appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
You may also notice blood in your stool that appears as a bright red or a dark black color.
If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important that you request a diagnostic evaluation at Boca Care Surgical Associates of Palm Beach County as soon as possible to confirm or rule out rectal cancer.
How is rectal cancer treated?
Your treatment for rectal cancer depends on how advanced your cancer is. In general, surgery is necessary for all stages of rectal cancer. Dr. Belizon specializes in minimally invasive, robotic surgical techniques to prevent cancer from spreading.
If you have existing polyps that are cancerous, Dr. Belizon can remove them through small incisions. He also uses minimally invasive techniques to remove cancerous tissue in the lining of your rectum.
When cancer has spread outside of your rectum, Dr. Belizon may need to remove additional tissue in the surrounding area and the nearby lymph nodes.
Following surgery, you may need chemotherapy or radiation to destroy any remaining cancerous cells. Dr. Belizon works closely with you on an after-care plan to help you heal and reduce your risk factors for a return of cancer.
If you need surgery to remove cancerous polyps or rectal tissue, schedule a consultation online or call Boca Care Surgical Associates of Palm Beach County today.