Disease Comparison

Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.

Rectal Cancer

Unknown
3
Symptoms
2
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS

Pericarditis

Unknown
3
Symptoms
2
Causes
0
Treatments
5
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.
Pericarditis
Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac surrounding the heart. It can cause sharp chest pain that may become worse with deep breathing or lying down and improve when sitting forward. Viral infections are a common cause, but other infections, autoimmune diseases, medications, injury, and medical procedures can also contribute. Some cases resolve on their own, while others require treatment. Complications such as fluid accumulation around the heart can occur and may interfere with normal heart function.

Symptoms

Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Jaundice Painful Urination Persistent Hoarseness
Only in Right Disease
Chest Pain Coughing Blood Pain During Bowel Movement

Causes

Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Obesity Smoking
Only in Right Disease
Autoimmune Disorder 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.
Pericarditis
Pericarditis is diagnosed using the history, characteristic chest pain, physical examination, electrocardiogram, blood tests, and cardiac imaging. An electrocardiogram may show changes associated with inflammation, while blood tests can identify markers of inflammation or heart injury. Echocardiography can detect fluid around the heart and assess its effect on cardiac function. Chest imaging and additional tests may help identify an underlying infection, autoimmune condition, or other cause.

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.
Pericarditis
Some causes of pericarditis cannot be prevented, but managing underlying inflammatory or systemic conditions and following medical advice after infections or heart procedures may reduce risk in certain situations. People with a previous episode should follow recommendations intended to reduce recurrence. New or unexplained chest pain should be assessed promptly because pericarditis can resemble other serious heart and lung conditions. Preventive measures depend largely on the underlying cause.

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.
Pericarditis
Risk factors for pericarditis include recent viral or other infections, autoimmune diseases, kidney failure, cancer, previous heart surgery, chest injury, radiation exposure, and certain medicines. A previous episode of pericarditis increases the chance of recurrence. People with systemic inflammatory diseases may be particularly susceptible. In many cases, however, no specific risk factor or cause is identified.

Treatment

Rectal Cancer
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Pericarditis
Treatment comparison will be available soon.