Things You'll Need:
- Surgeon
- Physician
- Medication
- Radiation therapy
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Step 1
Treatment and outcome of rectal cancer depend upon the stage of the cancer. Staging of rectal cancer is based upon how far the cancer has penetrated into the wall of the colon or rectum, whether the cancer has spread to lymph nodes, and whether the cancer has spread to other organs such as liver, lungs or brain (metastasis).
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Step 2
After the initial evaluation of a rectal cancer, usually done with colonoscopy, abdominal and pelvic CT scans, ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, a customized treatment plan is designed.
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Step 3
SURGERY:
surgery has an important role in treating rectal cancer regardless of the extent of the disease. For localized tumors surgeon will remove the cancerous part of the colon or rectum and the associated lymph nodes. If a cancer has invaded nearby organs, a more extensive operation may be needed and may involve removal of the other affected organs as well followed by reconstructive surgeries.
Sometimes when a large portion of rectum and/or anus has to be removed the surgeon may need to make a colostomy. This is a surgical procedure that involves connecting a part of the colon to an artificial opening made in the belly leaving the patient with an opening on the abdomen for passing stools. After a colostomy, stools leave the patient's body through this opening and are collected in a disposable bag that is always kept and sealed tightly around colostomy opening. -
Step 4
CHEMOTHERAPY AND RADIATION:
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are recommended in addition to surgery for most patients. Chemotherapy and radiation help to reduce the chance of recurrence by destroying the remaining cancer cells after surgery.
Currently one or more of the following anti-cancer drugs are used:
5-FU and leucovorin
Xeloda (capecitabine)
Oxaliplatin
FOLFOX regime (using all above drugs)
