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Rectal Carcinoma Treatment

Rectal carcinoma is a type of cancer typified by the development of malignant (cancer) cells in the tissues lining the rectum (last portion of the large intestine). Rectal cancer in most cases develops alongside colon cancer, thus giving it a name colorectal cancer or colorectal carcinoma. As per the statistics recorded by the National Cancer Institute, nearly 40,000 new cases of rectal cancer are diagnosed annually in the United States and nearly 5,000 patients succumb to the disease.

  1. Types of Treatment Methods

    • As with most other forms of cancer, no treatment has been yet been developed which can completely cure the condition of rectal cancer. Nonetheless, doctors utilize treatments like chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy in order to control the growth and metastasis of the cancerous cells throughout the body. Surgical removal of the damaged cells and tissues of the rectum is one of the widely used treatment method which is most often performed under the influence of general anesthesia. It involves minimal cutting and the patient is generally discharged in three-four days time post surgery.

      Patients having a great risk of rectal cancer recurrence are often advised to undergo treatments such as drug therapy (chemotherapy) and radiotherapy. Drug therapy involves injection of anti cancer drugs like interleukin-2 (IL-2), pacitaxel which help in killing the malignant cancer cells and hence restrict their spreading. While in radiotherapy, the damaged part of the rectum is subjected to high power radiations (commonly X-rays) so as to destroy and damage the cancerous cells.

    Time Frame

    • The time frame for the administration of the treatment methods generally vary from patient to patient, depending on the stage of the cancer and the metastasis of the malignant cells. Nevertheless, in most cases the patients are exposed to radiotherapy daily for nearly a month while chemotherapy is administered once in every 15 days for nearly 5 to 6 months.

    Survival Rates

    • According to the recordings of the National Cancer Institute, the average 5-year survival rate for patients afflicted with rectal carcinoma is approximately 66 percent.

    Effects

    • Experiencing side effects is very common for patients undergoing treatment for rectal cancer. Bleeding, infections and pain in the abdominal region are side effects related to the surgical procedure. While loss of appetite, extreme tiredness, hair loss and nausea are the side effects related with drug therapy and radiotherapy.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Common preventive steps that can be taken against rectal cancer include: undergoing screening for colorectal cancer annually, employing certain lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and consumption of alcohol, maintaining a healthy diet and weight, and exercising regularly.

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