In stage II, the cancer has spread to nearby organs but has not yet reached the lymph nodes. In the early stages of rectal cancer, the best treatment is surgery, followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy. If the cancer is in an advanced stage, treatment will depend on whether it has spread to distant organs.
The next step in the treatment of colorectal cancer is to determine the size of the tumor and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. To determine whether the tumor is located in another area of the body, a doctor will use imaging tests. In stage I, the cancer has not spread beyond the inner surface of the colon wall and has only grown into the muscle layer. In stage II, the cancer has spread to regional lymph nodes and may have spread to other areas of the body.
Radiation therapy is a common treatment for rectal cancer. This treatment method, administered by a doctor specializing in the treatment of cancer with radiation, uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. It is often given before surgery in order to shrink the tumor. In some cases, it is used as a substitute for surgery. It is also given with other treatments, including anti-cancer drugs. Chemotherapy may also be used in combination with radiation therapy.
In stage III, chemotherapy is the standard treatment for this disease. The treatment process depends on the cancer’s stage and whether the tumor has spread to lymph nodes. Chemotherapy has a longer survival time than surgery, but it does not cure the disease. The introduction of new drugs has improved the treatment of this disease and extended the average survival period. So, the treatment for stage IV is more aggressive than stage I. There are many types of treatment, but the goal of localized cancer is to get rid of the cancer and prevent its recurrence.
The stage of rectal cancer determines the extent of the disease and its prognosis. Early-stage rectal cancer has no symptoms, but the cancer can spread to other parts of the body. In advanced stages, the cancer can spread to other organs, which is called metastatic. Fortunately, it can be treated if detected in its early stages. It is important to be aware of rectal cancer symptoms and seek treatment as soon as possible.
Surgical treatment for early-stage rectal cancer includes removal of the tumor in one piece, leaving a rim of healthy tissue to cover it. Surgery may also involve removing lymph nodes if the cancer has spread to distant organs. The surgeon must determine whether the cancer has spread or is still within the pelvic wall. Radiation and chemotherapy may be used after surgery if recurrence has already occurred. In some cases, the patient may not need to undergo radiation and chemotherapy if the cancer is in the early stages.
