Treatments
Rectal Cancer
What is Rectal Cancer?
Rectal cancer is a type of colorectal cancer that begins in the rectum, the final part of the large intestine. It develops when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, forming tumors that can affect normal bowel function. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve outcomes, making timely medical attention crucial.
Causes and Risk Factors
While the exact cause of rectal cancer is unknown, several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing the disease, including:
- Age – More common in individuals over 50.
- Family History – A genetic predisposition to colorectal cancer.
- Diet – High consumption of processed and red meat.
- Lifestyle Factors – Smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity.
- Chronic Conditions – Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Symptoms
Symptoms of Rectal Cancer
Common symptoms that may indicate rectal cancer include:
Blood in stool or rectal bleeding
Persistent changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation)
Unexplained weight loss
Abdominal pain or cramping
A feeling of incomplete bowel emptying
Fatigue or weakness
If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a specialist promptly for early detection and diagnosis.
How is Rectal Cancer Treated
Treatment options for rectal cancer depend on the stage, location, and overall health of the patient. Common treatments include:
1. Diagnosis
Early detection is vital for successful treatment. Dr. Minicozzi uses state-of-the-art diagnostic methods to confirm the presence of colon cancer, including:
- Colonoscopy: The primary screening method for colon cancer, where a flexible tube with a camera examines the colon for abnormal growths or tumors.
- Imaging Tests (CT Scans, MRI): To assess the size of the tumor and determine whether cancer has spread to other organs.
- Biopsy: A small tissue sample taken during a colonoscopy to confirm if cancer cells are present.
2. Surgery
- Total Mesorectal excision: A precise method to remove rectal tumors while reducing recurrence risk.
- Abdominoperineal Excision of rectum (APER): Surgical technique employed in the treatment of tumours or cancers of the lower rectum or anal canal without infiltration of sphincter muscles. The surgical technique involves the removal of the rectum and anal canal together with the blood supply and connected lymph glands.
- Extra-levator Abdominoperineal Excision of rectum (ELAPER):is a new surgical technique employed in the treatment of tumours or cancers of the lower rectum or anal canal that infiltrate sphincter muscles. ELAPER is a much more radical approach than the traditional abdominoperineal excision of the rectum (APER) with improved oncological outcomes.
- Pelvic exenteration is a major surgical procedure in which multiple organs of the pelvis are removed to treat cancers in the pelvis, such as uterine cancer, bladder cancer, cervical cancer, rectal cancer, and anal cancer. The surgery involves removal of organs in the pelvis, such as the uterus (womb), cervix (neck of the womb), ovaries and fallopian tubes, vagina, urethra, and bladder that are affected with cancer. In men, the procedure involves removal of the seminal vesicles and the prostate.Central, posterior, and total pelvic exenterations are different types of pelvic exenteration approaches employed in the treatment of pelvic cancer.
- Anterior pelvic exenteration is employed if the cancer is located at the front portion of the pelvis and involves removal of the bladder and reproductive organs. You will require a new location for urine to exit the body. Your surgeon will create a new opening called a stoma for this on your belly. This is known as a urostomy.
- Posterior pelvic exenteration is employed if the cancer is located at the back portion of the pelvis and involves removal of the rectum (lower section of the large bowel) and reproductive organs. You will need a new place for stools to exit the body. Your surgeon will create a new opening called a stoma for this on your belly. This is known as a colostomy.
- Total pelvic exenteration is employed if the cancer is located in the central portion of the pelvis and involves removal of the bowel, reproductive organs, and the bladder. This means that you may need 1 or 2 openings (stomas) to collect urine and stool contents. Both colostomy and urostomy are performed during this procedure.
- Robotic/Laparoscopic Surgery: A minimally invasive surgery that uses smaller incisions for quicker healing.
- Colostomy or Ileostomy – In cases where a part of colon is removed, a stoma (opening) may be created for waste elimination.
3. Radiation Therapy
- Often used before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy) to shrink tumors and increase surgical success.
- Also used post-surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.
4. Chemotherapy
- Administered before or after surgery to kill cancer cells.
- Used for advanced or metastatic rectal cancer to slow disease progression.
5. Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy
- Targeted Therapy – Attacks specific cancer cells without affecting normal cells.
- Immunotherapy – Helps the immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells, used for certain genetic mutations.
6. Watch & Wait
In some cases when a patient has been diagnosed with rectal cancer and has undergone chemotherapy and radiotherapy the cancer can disappear (clinical complete response). In this situation, Dr. Minicozzi would offer a “Watch and Wait” approach if patients may be keen to purse organ preservation and stoma avoidance.
Patients enrolled in the Watch & Wait programme will receive an intensive surgical surveillance, which includes: 1. digital rectal examination, MRI pelvis and Flexi sigmoidoscopy every 3 months in the first 3 years; 2. CT scan every six months in the first 2 years and ten yearly.; 3. Colonoscopy at 1 and 5 years.
Book a Consultation for rectal cancer in London
Dr. Minicozzi specializes in diagnosing and treating rectal cancer in London using the latest surgical and non-surgical techniques. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and explore the best treatment options for your health.
FAQ
FAQs About Rectal Cancer
How is rectal cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves a combination of physical examination, colonoscopy, biopsy, imaging tests (CT, MRI, PET scans), and blood tests.
Can rectal cancer be cured?
Yes, when detected early, rectal cancer is highly treatable, and many patients achieve full recovery with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
What is the survival rate for rectal cancer?
Survival rates depend on the stage at diagnosis. Early-stage rectal cancer has a high survival rate with proper treatment.
How can I reduce my risk of rectal cancer?
Maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and undergoing regular screenings can help reduce risk.
When should I see a doctor?
If you experience persistent symptoms like rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss, schedule a consultation immediately.
