Can patients with advanced colorectal cancer be unable to defecate?
Disease description:
My neighbor's uncle has recently developed severe diarrhea. After examination, the doctor diagnosed him with late-stage colorectal cancer. A colleague mentioned that people with late-stage colorectal cancer cannot defecate. Is it true that individuals with late-stage colorectal cancer cannot pass stool?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhao Haiming
In the late stages of colorectal cancer, patients are generally still able to defecate, but bowel movements become extremely difficult. Colorectal cancer is a relatively common malignant tumor that can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, indigestion, loss of appetite, fever, and weight loss. In severe cases, intestinal obstruction may also occur. Additionally, if cancer cells metastasize to the liver, it can lead to hepatomegaly and jaundice.
