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Treatment for Rectal Cancer


The treatment for rectal cancer depends on many different factors. Some of these are:

  • The size of the tumor.
  • How deep the cancer has penetrated into the wall of the rectum.
  • Whether the cancer has spread to the surrounding lymph nodes or other organs.
The different kinds of treatments available are:

  • Surgery: Depending on the size, location and stage of the cancer, it may be possible to treat it with surgery alone. In some cases a temporary or permanent colostomy is performed. This involves the creation of a small opening in the abdomen for the elimination of wastes.
  • Some hospitals have facilities for robotic surgery. This is helpful in treating cancers that are close to the anus. Robotic surgery makes it possible to operate with great precision, making it possible in many cases to preserve not only the sphincter muscle, but urinary and sexual function as well.
  • Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy: These therapies are used in advanced stages when the cancer has spread to the surrounding lymph nodes and organs. The doctor may recommend their use prior to surgery in order to shrink the tumor, thereby making it easier to operate. Chemotherapy helps make cancer cells in the rectum more sensitive to radiation. Today, advanced technologies (intensity modulated radiation therapy; image guided radiation therapy) are available that help target tumors with great precision, thereby reducing the possibility of damage to the surrounding tissue.
  • Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT): This is an innovative approach used nowadays to treat a recurrence of rectal cancer and cases of advanced local rectal cancer. It is used to treat tumors that cannot be removed completely by surgery and involves the use of chemotherapy along with external radiation therapy.
  • Counseling: Changes in lifestyle are a must to avoid the development and recurrence of rectal cancer. Quitting smoking, changes in diet and drinking in moderation are some of the changes that a counselor can advise and help you with.


Prognosis
Diet
Frequently asked questions
References
  1. Maria Giulia Zampino, Roberto Labianca, Giordano Beretta, Gemma Gatta, Katia Lorrizo, Filippo de Braud, Jacques Wils, Rectal cancer, Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology, Volume 51, Issue 2, August 2004, Pages 121-143, ISSN 1040-8428, 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2004.03.004.
  2. E.M. Tweedle, P.S. Rooney, A.J.M. Watson, Screening for Rectal Cancer – Will it Improve Cure Rates?, Clinical Oncology, Volume 19, Issue 9, November 2007, Pages 639-648, ISSN 0936-6555, 10.1016/j.clon.2007.07.002.
  3. Rob Glynne-Jones, Pawan Mathur, Colin Elton, Matthew L. Train, Multimodal treatment of rectal cancer, Best Practice & Research Clinical Gastroenterology, Volume 21, Issue 6, December 2007, Pages 1049-1070, ISSN 1521-6918, 10.1016/j.bpg.2007.11.003.