Rectum

Rectum, the terminal portion of the alimentary canal, which pursues a fairly straight course from the lower end of the sigmoid flexure of the large intestine to the anus. Diseases of the Rectum, Fistula and prolapse have already been dealt with; the subject of piles has also been alluded to. Stricture of the rectum may be fibrous or malignant; the chief symptoms are pain and constipation, with occasional passage of narrowed ribbon-like motions. The form of malignant disease (cancer) that usually affects the rectum is epithelioma. In addition to the obstructive symptoms already mentioned, the occurrence of bleeding and the manifestation of general signs of cachexia are common symptoms in this condition.