Overview
A rare epithelial tumor of the rectum is an uncommon growth that starts in the lining cells (epithelial cells) of the rectum, which is the last section of the large intestine before the anus. These tumors are different from the more common types of rectal cancer and can include unusual subtypes such as rare adenocarcinoma variants, squamous cell carcinomas of the rectum, neuroendocrine tumors, or other uncommon epithelial growths. Because they are rare, they may not behave exactly like typical rectal cancers, and treatment decisions can be more complex. The rectum plays an important role in storing and passing stool. When a tumor grows in this area, it can interfere with normal bowel function and cause a range of symptoms. People may notice changes in their bowel habits, rectal bleeding, or a feeling that the bowel has not fully emptied. Some tumors grow slowly, while others can spread more quickly to nearby lymph nodes or other organs. Treatment usually involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, depending on the specific tumor type and how far it has spread. Because these tumors are so rare, care at a specialized cancer center with experience in rare gastrointestinal cancers is strongly recommended. Early detection generally leads to better outcomes.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Rectal bleeding or blood in the stoolChanges in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipationFeeling that the bowel has not fully emptied after a bowel movementNarrow or pencil-thin stoolsPain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or rectumUnexplained weight lossFatigue or tirednessA lump or mass that can be felt in or near the rectumMucus in the stoolAnemia (low red blood cell count) causing weakness or pale skin
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Rare epithelial tumor of rectum.
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Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Rare epithelial tumor of rectum.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What exact type of rare epithelial tumor do I have, and how does that affect my treatment options?,Has my tumor been tested for genetic markers like microsatellite instability or mismatch repair deficiency, and what do the results mean for my treatment?,Should I have genetic testing to find out if a hereditary syndrome may have caused this tumor?,What is the goal of my treatment — to cure the cancer or to control it?,Will I need a colostomy, and if so, is it likely to be temporary or permanent?,Are there any clinical trials I might be eligible for given how rare this tumor type is?,What support services are available to help me and my family cope with this diagnosis?
Common questions about Rare epithelial tumor of rectum
What is Rare epithelial tumor of rectum?
A rare epithelial tumor of the rectum is an uncommon growth that starts in the lining cells (epithelial cells) of the rectum, which is the last section of the large intestine before the anus. These tumors are different from the more common types of rectal cancer and can include unusual subtypes such as rare adenocarcinoma variants, squamous cell carcinomas of the rectum, neuroendocrine tumors, or other uncommon epithelial growths. Because they are rare, they may not behave exactly like typical rectal cancers, and treatment decisions can be more complex. The rectum plays an important role in s
How is Rare epithelial tumor of rectum inherited?
Rare epithelial tumor of rectum follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Rare epithelial tumor of rectum typically begin?
Typical onset of Rare epithelial tumor of rectum is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Which specialists treat Rare epithelial tumor of rectum?
1 specialists and care centers treating Rare epithelial tumor of rectum are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.