Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumor that starts in cells of the colon or rectum. Malignant means that it can spread, or metastasize, to other parts of the body. The recommended treatment plan will depend on which part of the Colon and Rectum is affected and how far the cancer has spread, but surgery is usually the main treatment. If it′s detected early enough, treatment can cure colorectal cancer and stop it coming back. Unfortunately, however, a complete cure is not always possible and there is sometimes a risk that the cancer could recur at a later stage. In more advanced cases that cannot be removed completely by surgery, a cure is highly unlikely. However, symptoms can be controlled and the spread of the cancer can be slowed using a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and biological treatments where appropriate. Dr Himanshu Yadav, design treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each person with cancer. ICU facility is also available which sometimes provide extensive support to critical patients in the hospital during treatment or surgery. Treatment decisions for colorectal cancer are based on: Stage, Type of cancer (colon or rectal), Location of the tumor, Whether the cancer has recurred or spread, The person′s overall health.

Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer:

• Diarrhea or constipation
• Changes in bowel habits
• Blood in faeces that makes stools look black
• Feeling of that the bowel does not empty properly after a bowel movement
• Unexpected weight loss
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Unexpected iron deficiency in men, or in women after menopause
• Bright red blood coming from the rectum
• Feeling of fullness in the abdomen, even after not eating for a while.
• Pain and bloating in the abdomen

Types of Treatment of Colorectal Cancer:

Treatment will depend on several factors, including the size, location, and stage of the cancer, whether or not it is recurrent, and the current overall state of health of the patient. Treatment options include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery.

Chemotherapy:

Chemotherapy involves using a medicine or chemical to destroy the cancerous cells. It is commonly used for colon cancer treatment. Before surgery, it can help reducing the tumor. Targeted therapy is a kind of chemotherapy that specifically targets the proteins that encourage the development of some cancers. They may have fewer side effects than other types of chemotherapy.

Radiation Therapy:

Radiation therapy uses high energy radiation beams to destroy the cancer cells and to prevent them from multiplying. This is more commonly used for rectal cancer treatment. It may be used before surgery in an attempt to reduce the tumor. Both radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be given after surgery to help lower the chances of recurrence.

Surgery for colorectal cancer:

This is the most common treatment. The affected malicious tumors and any nearby lymph nodes will be removed, to lessen the risk of the cancer spreading. The bowel is usually stitched back together, but sometimes the rectum is removed completely and a colostomy bag is attached for drainage. The colostomy bag collects stools. This is usually a temporary measure, but it may be permanent if it is not possible to join up the ends of the bowel.

Ablation:

Ablation can abolish a tumor without removing it. It can be passed out using radiofrequency, ethanol, or cryosurgery. These are delivered using a probe or needle that is guided by ultrasound or CT scanning technology.