Disease Comparison
Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.
Uterine Fibroids
Moderate
3
Symptoms
1
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS
Rectal Cancer
Unknown
3
Symptoms
2
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
Overview
Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They may occur as a single growth or as several fibroids and can vary greatly in size and location. Many cause no symptoms, but some can lead to heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure or pain, frequent urination, or discomfort during sexual activity. Fibroids may change in size over time and often shrink after menopause.
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.
Symptoms
Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Itching Skin Rash Skin RednessOnly in Right Disease
Jaundice Painful Urination Persistent HoarsenessCauses
Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Hormonal ImbalanceOnly in Right Disease
Obesity SmokingDiagnosis
Uterine Fibroids
Diagnosis begins with a medical history and pelvic examination. Ultrasound is commonly used to identify fibroids and assess their size and location. Depending on the symptoms and findings, MRI, hysterosonography, or hysteroscopy may provide additional information. An endometrial biopsy may be considered when abnormal uterine bleeding requires evaluation of the uterine lining.
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.
Prevention
Uterine Fibroids
There is no proven way to completely prevent uterine fibroids because their exact cause is uncertain. Maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, and having regular medical care may support overall reproductive health. People with heavy menstrual bleeding, persistent pelvic pressure, pelvic pain, or urinary symptoms should seek medical evaluation so that fibroids and other causes can be assessed.
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.
Risk Factors
Uterine Fibroids
Risk is associated with factors such as reproductive age, family history of fibroids, and certain hormonal influences. Fibroids are more common during the childbearing years and are more frequently diagnosed in some racial and ethnic groups. Obesity may also be associated with increased risk. Having relatives with fibroids can increase the likelihood of developing them.
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.
Treatment
Uterine Fibroids
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Rectal Cancer
Treatment comparison will be available soon.