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Why do patients with rectal cancer develop a fever?

Nov 29, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Qi Zhirong
Introduction
Fever in rectal cancer patients is primarily caused by stress response, accelerated metabolism, bacterial infection, cancer-related fever, and intestinal obstruction. Inflammatory factor levels, especially interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, increase in cancer patients. These inflammatory factors can stimulate the hypothalamic thermoregulatory center, triggering a fever response. Psychological intervention and supportive therapy can help reduce the stress response.

Generally speaking, fever refers to an elevated body temperature. Patients with rectal cancer may experience fever mainly due to stress responses, accelerated metabolism, bacterial infection, cancer-related fever, intestinal obstruction, and other similar causes. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is advised. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Stress Response

Inflammatory factor levels, especially interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, increase in cancer patients. These inflammatory factors can stimulate the hypothalamic thermoregulatory center, triggering a fever response. Psychotherapy and supportive treatments can help reduce the stress response.

2. Accelerated Metabolism

Tumor cells have a high metabolic rate, consuming large amounts of glucose and producing lactic acid. This not only increases heat production in the body but may also interfere with normal thermoregulatory mechanisms, causing fever. Patients should rest in bed and maintain calmness.

3. Bacterial Infection

Bacterial infection primarily results from inflammatory responses triggered by bacterial invasion into the body. Patients with rectal cancer often have weakened immune function, making them prone to infections such as intestinal or pulmonary infections. These infections can elevate body temperature, causing fever, and may be accompanied by symptoms like diarrhea or cough. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as Piperacillin Sodium for injection, Penicillin V Potassium Tablets, Levofloxacin Tablets, etc.

4. Cancer-Related Fever

During their growth, tumor cells release certain pyrogens that enter the bloodstream and stimulate the thermoregulatory center, leading to elevated body temperature and the aforementioned symptoms. General symptoms may include fatigue and anemia. It is recommended to follow medical guidance in using medications such as Paracetamol Tablets, Ibuprofen Sustained-Release Tablets, Amoxicillin Capsules, etc.

5. Intestinal Obstruction

In adults, intestinal obstruction is mainly caused by postoperative intestinal adhesions and colorectal tumors. Intestinal obstruction increases pressure within the intestine, impairs blood circulation in the intestinal wall, promotes bacterial proliferation, and leads to infection, thereby causing the aforementioned symptoms. Additional symptoms such as abdominal distension and constipation may also occur. Patients can use medications such as Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets, Scopolamine Hydrobromide Racemate Injection, Potassium Chloride Sustained-Release Tablets, etc., under the guidance of a qualified physician.

Patients should ensure adequate sleep and avoid staying up late. Light physical activities such as walking or practicing Tai Chi can be performed daily to enhance physical fitness.

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