Rectal cancer can be treated in several ways. Depending on the stage of the cancer, you may receive surgery alone, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. Surgical treatments may also include additional therapies like chemotherapy or biological therapy. Your treatment plan will depend on several factors including the size of your tumor, the extent of the cancer, and your overall health. Luckily, today, surgery is the most common treatment option for rectal cancer. Read on to learn more about your treatment options.
If a tumor is found inside the lining of the rectum, an endorectal ultrasound (EUS) is performed. The ultrasound sends out sound waves, which bounce off tissues and are interpreted by a computer. During this test, your doctor can determine the depth of the tumor and whether it has spread to lymph nodes. A CT scan can provide a more detailed picture of the inside of the body, but is not necessary for the early detection of rectal cancer.
In some cases, surgery is necessary to remove the primary tumour. A doctor may remove lymph nodes in the surrounding area while removing the tumour. This procedure will remove the cancerous area and re-join the colon together. Occasionally, cancers in the rectum will require removal of the rectum and the anus. But with today’s modern techniques, stomas aren’t required. This treatment option is highly individualized for your condition.
Several types of rectal cancer are classified as Stage III, IV, and stage IV. Your healthcare provider will discuss these factors and determine the best treatment for you. Treatment is most effective when detected early. Its primary goals are to kill the tumor cells and prevent the cancer from spreading or becoming metastatic. Smoking, family history of breast or colon cancer, and endometrial cancer are all risk factors for developing rectal cancer. Early detection is vital to improving your chances of survival.
Surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy are two common treatment options for rectum cancer. Both treatments use anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells and stop them from multiplying. In addition to surgery, the treatment often includes targeted therapies that destroy cancer cells by damaging their DNA. While surgery is the main treatment option for rectal cancer, radiation therapy may help relieve symptoms and prevent rectal cancer. It is important to remember that radiation therapy is not a cure, but it can help you feel better and avoid a colostomy.
During your first visit to the doctor, your doctor will assess your genetic history and your risk for inherited cancers. These counselors can help you develop an action plan that minimizes your risk for rectal cancer. Your age, race, and ethnicity also increase your risk for rectal cancer. If you’re African-American or Jewish, you are also at higher risk for the disease. Other risk factors include certain medical conditions, colonoscopy results, and polyps that may be present during the examination.
Colon and rectal cancer screenings are crucial for catching the disease early. An early diagnosis increases the chances of a cure. If detected early, most cancers can be cured or at least significantly reduced. Screenings are not only effective for the detection of rectal cancer, but can save lives. People with increased risk of rectal cancer are recommended to start colonoscopy screenings at age 45. However, you may be recommended to begin screening earlier if you have certain risk factors.
