RECTAL
CANCER
RECTAL
CANCER
RECTAL
CANCER
RECTAL
CANCER
RECTAL
CANCER
In contrast to colon cancer, rectal cancer arises from the last eight to ten inches of the large bowel, the rectum. Cancers located in the rectum can be treated by multiple modalities, including: trans-anal excision, chemo and radiation treatment, and standard surgical resection.
RECTAL CANCER
In contrast to colon cancer, rectal cancer arises from the last eight to ten inches of the large bowel, the rectum. Cancers located in the rectum can be treated by multiple modalities, including: trans-anal excision, chemo and radiation treatment, and standard surgical resection.
Ultrasound imaging of rectal cancer has become standard for determining the depth of tumor invasion which is important for treatment planning. This procedure can be done quickly as an outpatient with only mild discomfort. Our Colon and Rectal Associates specialists have the expertise and specialized equipment needed to perform this staging exam.
The cornerstone of therapy for most colon and rectal cancer is surgical removal. Our colon and rectal surgeons have specialized training in the latest techniques to provide patients the best chances at a good long-term outcome.
The lymph nodes associated with the colon or rectum can be an early site of regional spread of malignancy. The adequate removal of the lymph nodes is critically important to the treatment and accurate staging of colon and rectal cancers. This information is important for prognosis and guiding further therapy.
Complete and careful removal of the mesentary (fat, blood vessels, and lymphatics) associated with rectal cancer has been recognized as important for the prevention of local recurrence. Colon and rectal surgeons, through specialty training, are experienced in the technique of total mesorectal excision, which has been shown to reduce this type of cancer recurrence.
Although some patients with very low rectal cancers may still require permanent colostomies, newer techniques allow for preservation of the anus and sphincters so patients can maintain nearly normal bowel function. These procedures require careful patient selection and training and are best performed by a colorectal surgeon.
Many rectal polyps and even some early cancers can be resected by a transanal technique avoiding an abdominal incision. Specialized training and equipment are required for these procedures. The physicians of Colon and Rectal Associates have the expertise needed to offer transanal endoscopic microsurgery to appropriate patients.
When cancers are present at a late stage, they can cause near obstructions of the colonic or rectal lumen. Endoscopically placed stents can be used as a bridge to surgery to avoid multistage procedures or temporary colostomies. It is also a useful technique for palliation of obstruction in advanced cancers.
Mostly used for palliation in advanced or recurrent cancer, laser ablation is a technique to reduce symptoms from cancers, such as bleeding.