A Missed Diagnosis: The Story of Sham and His Battle with Rectal Cancer

 

Sham was a 52-year-old man who first noticed bleeding per rectum about eight months ago. At first, the bleeding was slight and intermittent, so he didn’t worry much. But over weeks, the bleeding became more persistent and occasionally mixed with mucus. Along with this, he sometimes felt discomfort during bowel movements and occasional cramps.

Sham visited his local doctor, who examined him and diagnosed common benign conditions based on Sham’s symptoms—“It looks like you have hemorrhoids or maybe a fistula,” the doctor said. Sham was prescribed medication for piles and advice on diet and lifestyle changes. The doctor reassured him it was nothing serious.

Over the next several months, Sham followed the treatment but noticed no improvement. Instead, his symptoms worsened—bleeding increased, he lost weight unintentionally, and his bowel habits changed, sometimes alternating between diarrhea and constipation. Still, he hesitated to seek another opinion, assuming the problem was just a stubborn piles issue.

Eventually, Sham developed worsening abdominal pain and fatigue. Frightened, his family urged him to visit a specialist. He was referred to Dr. M G Giriyappagoudar, a radiation oncologist known for his expertise in gastrointestinal cancers.

Dr. Giriyappagoudar conducted a thorough evaluation, including a digital rectal examination, colonoscopy, and imaging studies. The results were sobering. Sham was diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer—a locally advanced tumor that had grown significantly and involved regional lymph nodes.

Dr. Giriyappagoudar gently explained that the initial symptoms of rectal bleeding were classic signs of cancer but had unfortunately been attributed to benign conditions earlier. This delay meant the cancer progressed to a more advanced stage before proper treatment could start.

Sham began a comprehensive treatment plan involving radiation and chemotherapy to shrink the tumor followed by surgery. Though the journey was tough, Dr. Giriyappagoudar’s expertise and the support of his family gave him hope.

Lessons from Sham’s Story

Sham’s case highlights a common challenge: rectal bleeding is often dismissed as hemorrhoids or other benign issues, leading to delays in cancer diagnosis. This delay can allow the cancer to progress, making treatment more difficult.

Anyone experiencing persistent rectal bleeding, especially with changes in bowel habits, weight loss, or pain, should promptly seek a specialist’s evaluation to rule out colorectal cancer.

Early diagnosis dramatically improves outcomes and expands treatment options. Awareness, timely medical consultation, and a trusting patient-doctor relationship are vital in catching cancers early when they are most treatable.

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