Rectal Cancer
Rectal cancer (carcinoma of the rectum) refers to cancer occurring between the dentate line and the rectosigmoid junction. Based on the location of the lesion, rectal cancer is classified as high, mid, or low rectal cancer. In general, cancer within 5 cm above the dentate line is classified as low rectal cancer; 5–10 cm as mid rectal cancer; and more than 10 cm as high rectal cancer. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), this condition falls within the categories of “Chang Tan” (intestinal mass) and “Suo Gang Zhi” (anal-closure hemorrhoid).
TCM Pattern Differentiation and Medication Reference
|Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Tenesmus, burning sensation around the anus; red tongue, yellow and greasy coating, slippery and rapid pulse
In plain language:
- A persistent feeling of needing to have a bowel movement, but being unable to empty the bowels fully; the urge and a sensation of heaviness or downward pressure may remain afterward.
- A feeling of heat or burning around the anus.
- The tongue may look somewhat redder than usual.
- The tongue coating is yellow and thick, with a greasy appearance.
- The pulse feels slippery and relatively fast.
|Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Clear heat and drain dampness
In plain language:
- In TCM terms, this approach aims to clear excess heat, which is associated with redness, a burning sensation, dry mouth, irritability, and a sore throat.
- It aims to promote the elimination of dampness, which is associated with heaviness, a sticky feeling, swelling, or increased discharge.
|Related Products
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|Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Passage of pus and blood in the stool, dark purplish in color; a mass may be palpable; dark purplish tongue or spots on the tongue, wiry and choppy pulse
In plain language:
- Pus and blood are passed with the stool, which may look markedly abnormal.
- The discharge is dark or purplish in color rather than bright.
- A raised mass may be felt by touch.
- The tongue appears dark or purplish, or has small spots.
- The pulse feels taut and uneven, with a rough or hesitant quality.
|Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Promote qi circulation and resolve blood stasis; clear toxins and disperse masses
In plain language:
- In TCM terms, this approach aims to promote the flow of qi and blood and address stagnation, which is associated with distension, belching, and stabbing pain.
- It aims to clear what TCM describes as turbid toxins and disperse masses and hard lumps, with the stated aim of easing redness, swelling, heat, and pain and supporting wound recovery.
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|Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Sallow complexion, shortness of breath and lack of strength, fatigue and reluctance to speak; pale tongue, thin white coating, deep, thready, weak pulse
In plain language:
- The complexion looks yellowish and dull, with a generally poor appearance.
- Shortness of breath and low stamina may occur; even light activity can cause fatigue.
- Feeling tired and lacking energy, with little inclination to speak.
- The tongue looks pale, with less color than usual.
- The tongue coating is thin and white.
- The pulse is deep and thready, and feels weak.
|Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Tonify qi and nourish blood
In plain language:
- In TCM terms, this approach aims to replenish qi and support stamina, with the stated aim of easing shortness of breath, fatigue, spontaneous sweating, and reluctance to speak.
- It aims to nourish the blood and address a pale complexion, dizziness, and palpitations, with the goal of supporting energy and well-being.
|Related Products
The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
|Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Heat in the palms, soles, and chest, night sweats, red tongue; scant coating, thready and rapid pulse
In plain language:
- Episodes of warmth in the palms, soles, and chest, with feelings of restlessness or irritability.
- Night sweats, often occurring after falling asleep and easing upon waking.
- The tongue looks redder than usual.
- There is very little tongue coating, or almost none visible.
- The pulse feels thready and relatively fast.
|Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Nourish the liver and kidneys
In plain language:
- In TCM terms, this approach aims to nourish body fluids and support the body’s basic energy and recovery.
- It aims to regulate the liver and kidney systems, which in TCM are associated with symptoms such as soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, dizziness, tinnitus, and disrupted sleep.
|Related Products
The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
|Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Clear, copious urination; pale, swollen tongue, white and moist coating, deep, thready, faint pulse
In plain language:
- Urine is pale and plentiful, and urination may take longer than usual.
- The tongue appears pale and somewhat enlarged.
- The tongue coating is white, smooth, and moist.
- The pulse is easier to feel with deeper pressure, and feels thready and very weak.
|Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Warm and tonify the spleen and kidneys
In plain language:
- In TCM terms, this approach aims to warm and support digestion and absorption, with the stated aim of easing sensitivity to cold, diarrhea, poor appetite, and fatigue.
- It aims to support the body’s underlying energy and regulate fluids and elimination, with the stated aim of easing lower-back and knee soreness and weakness, frequent urination, nighttime urination, and persistent loose stools or diarrhea.
|Related Products
The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
References
- Wang Ning, Sun Tingting, Zheng Rongshou, et al. Analysis of colorectal cancer incidence and mortality data in China in 2009[J]. China Cancer, 2013, (7): 515–520.
- Xu Jianmin, Ren Li. Guidelines for the diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastases (V2013)[J]. Chinese Journal of Practical Surgery, 2013, (8): 635–644.
- Chinese Medical Association. Clinical Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment: Oncology (Trial Edition)[M]. Beijing: People’s Medical Publishing House, 2011.
- Yang Liu, Xu Zhifeng. Chinese External Medicine[M]. Beijing: Science Press, 2013.
- Ren Dequan. Practical Chinese Patent Medicines for Clinical Use[M]. Beijing: People’s Medical Publishing House, 2002.