Although the symptoms of rectal cancer usually occur after several years, they may not occur until the tumor has spread to other organs. In such cases, it may be necessary to undergo chemotherapy. In cases where the cancer has spread to the lining of the abdomen, a second or third course of chemotherapy may be necessary to achieve complete tumor regression. However, in rare cases, the cancer may come back after years of treatment. For these reasons, early detection and treatment of rectal cancer are essential.
While some studies have suggested that delayed RT might be beneficial, some others have warned that it may not be a good idea. In addition to a potential adverse effect, a delayed course of chemotherapy may be counterproductive. A delay may decrease the chance of R0 resection, which is essential to ensure full resection of the tumor. Besides, prolonging the period between the first and second course of chemotherapy can also diminish the chance of adjuvant chemotherapy.
Treatment of rectal cancer can be completed with surgery or with chemotherapy. However, radiation therapy is not effective for all patients. While radiation therapy can reduce tumor size and spread, it can also increase the risk of complications. Radiation therapy can cause side effects, including bleeding and infection. In such cases, surgery may be necessary. However, radiation therapy is a great alternative to surgery. This treatment is highly effective for some patients. And it is a good option for the rest of rectal cancer sufferers.
Various tests are used to diagnose rectal cancer. These tests will help determine whether the cancer has spread or not. A biopsy may be necessary to determine the type of treatment. The stage of the cancer will also help the doctor plan the treatment. For rectal cancer, chemotherapy combined with radiation therapy is the most common option. Short-course radiation therapy is also an option. This treatment is more expensive and may only be effective for small tumors.
In cases where a patient has advanced rectal cancer, surgery is often performed in the first few weeks. Postoperative chemotherapy may be started five to six weeks after surgery, depending on the stage of the tumor and the type of treatment. During this period, the patient may have tumor recurrence or a downstaged tumor. This is why a patient’s treatment options should be determined based on their preoperative staging.
A surgeon will remove the cancer and other parts of the rectum, if the cancer has spread to the anus or bowel. If the cancer has spread to the anus, the surgeon may remove the colon and close the anal sphincter muscle, which controls bowel movement. Unfortunately, some patients are not able to undergo this surgery, and will need an ostomy, or colostomy. One in eight people will need to have this procedure.
The incidence rate for colon and rectal cancer is similar, but the overall survival rate is slightly higher for the latter. It is also not influenced by sex, although men tend to have higher mortality rates than women. Age and race are important factors for survival. While CRC is more common in developed regions, men are more likely to develop rectal cancer than women. However, men’s survival rates seem to be higher than women’s, which may reflect poorer health in less developed countries.
