Back

Disease Comparison

Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.

Rectal Cancer

Unknown

Symptoms

Causes

Treatments

FAQs

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Unknown

Symptoms

Causes

Treatments

FAQs

Overview

Rectal Cancer

Rectal cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the tissues of the rectum, the lower part of the large intestine. It often develops from abnormal growths in the lining of the colon or rectum. The disease may cause changes in bowel habits or bleeding, although some people have no symptoms in its early stages.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a serious lung condition in which widespread inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs make it difficult for oxygen to pass into the blood. It can develop rapidly after severe illness or injury and may cause severe breathing difficulty and low blood oxygen levels.

Symptoms

Shared

None

Only in Left Disease

Jaundice Painful Urination Persistent Hoarseness

Only in Right Disease

Chest Pain Coughing Blood Frequent Sweating

Causes

Shared

None

Only in Left Disease

Obesity Smoking

Only in Right Disease

Infection

Diagnosis

Rectal Cancer

Evaluation may include a medical and family history, physical examination, and examination of the rectum and colon. Tests can include a digital rectal examination, colonoscopy, biopsy, and laboratory or molecular tests when appropriate. Imaging studies are commonly used after diagnosis to determine the extent of the disease and whether it has spread.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Diagnosis of ARDS is based on severe breathing difficulty, low blood oxygen levels, clinical history, physical examination, and chest imaging. Chest X-rays or other imaging may show widespread lung abnormalities. Healthcare professionals also evaluate the underlying illness and exclude other causes of lung fluid or respiratory failure.

Prevention

Rectal Cancer

Risk may be reduced by avoiding tobacco, maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, and limiting excessive alcohol consumption. Regular colorectal cancer screening can detect some cancers early and can also identify and allow removal of precancerous polyps. People with increased risk may need an individualized screening plan based on their medical and family history.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

ARDS cannot always be prevented because it can result from severe illness or injury. Prompt treatment of serious infections, careful management of conditions that can lead to severe lung injury, avoiding aspiration when possible, and appropriate medical care after major trauma may reduce risk or severity. Early recognition of worsening breathing problems is important.

Risk Factors

Rectal Cancer

Risk factors include increasing age, a family history of colorectal cancer, a personal history of colorectal cancer or high-risk adenomas, inherited conditions such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis, long-standing inflammatory bowel disease, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, and higher alcohol consumption. Having a risk factor does not mean that a person will develop rectal cancer.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Risk is increased by conditions that can severely injure or inflame the lungs, including sepsis, severe pneumonia, major trauma, aspiration, and other serious illnesses. The likelihood of ARDS is also influenced by the severity of the underlying condition and the extent of systemic inflammation.