Rectal Cancer
Department of Rectal Cancer
Adenocarcinoma: Similar to colon cancer, adenocarcinoma is the most common type of rectal cancer.
Squamous cell carcinoma: This type is less common and typically occurs in the anal region rather than the rectum. It arises from the flat, thin cells lining the surface of the rectum.
Types
Surgery: Removal of tumor and affected tissues.
Chemotherapy: Drugs to kill or inhibit cancer cells; used before or after surgery.
Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells.
Targeted Therapy: Specific drugs targeting molecular processes in cancer cells.
Immunotherapy: Boosting the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Diagnosis
Imaging Studies:
- Mammography: X-ray images of the breast are taken to detect abnormalities, such as tumors or microcalcifications.
- Ultrasound: Sound waves are used to create images, providing additional information about breast tissue.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This imaging technique may be used in specific cases to get detailed images of the breast.
- PET-CT
Biopsy:
- If abnormalities are detected, a biopsy is performed to obtain a tissue sample for laboratory analysis.
- Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA): A thin needle is used to withdraw cells from the suspicious area.
- Core Needle Biopsy: A larger needle is used to extract a small core of tissue for examination.
- Surgical Biopsy: In some cases, a surgical procedure may be needed to remove a larger sample of tissue.
Pathology Analysis:
- The tissue sample is examined by a pathologist to determine the presence of cancer, its type, and characteristics.
- Hormone test (estrogen and progesterone receptors) and HER2 status are often assessed
Treatment
1. Surgery:
Lumpectomy: Removal of the tumor and a small surrounding margin of normal tissue.
Mastectomy: Removal of the entire breast. Types include simple, modified radical, and bilateral mastectomy.
2. Radiation Therapy:
High-energy rays target and destroy cancer cells or shrink tumors. Often used after surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells.
3. Chemotherapy:
Systemic treatment using drugs to kill or control cancer cells. Administered orally or through intravenous infusion.
4. Hormone Therapy:
Targets hormone receptor-positive breast cancers by blocking or suppressing hormones like estrogen or progesterone.
5. Targeted Therapy:
Specifically targets molecules involved in cancer growth, such as HER2. Examples include Herceptin (trastuzumab) for HER2-positive cancers.
6. Immunotherapy:
Boosts the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Still being studied in breast cancer but showing promise in certain cases.
7. Neoadjuvant Therapy:
Treatment given before surgery to shrink tumors. It can include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy.
8. Adjuvant Therapy:
Treatment given after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. Includes radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy.
Rectal Cancer Overview
- Surgery Time: 3 to 6 hours
- Stay in the Country: 3 to 6 weeks
- Rehabilitation Duration: 6 to 12 weeks
- Price: €15,000 to €40,000
- Initial Consultation: Diagnosis through colonoscopy, imaging (CT, MRI), and biopsy, followed by consultation with a colorectal surgeon.
- Pre-Surgery: Pre-operative tests and planning for surgery, which may include chemotherapy or radiation to shrink the tumor.
- Surgery: Rectal surgery, such as low anterior resection or abdominoperineal resection, lasting 3 to 6 hours.
- Post-Surgery: Hospital stay for 7 to 14 days to monitor recovery and manage any complications.
- Rehabilitation: Recovery with support for dietary changes, managing bowel function, and physical therapy.
- Final Recovery: Ongoing follow-up visits to monitor recovery and check for any recurrence of cancer.
