Colorectal cancer represents the third most common form of cancer in both men and women, accounting for 10% of all malignant diseases. Malignancies of the colon are the second leading cause of death among oncology patients.
Several factors influence the development of this disease, such as genetic predisposition, a diet low in fiber (fresh fruits and vegetables), obesity, lack of physical activity, and excessive consumption of red meat, alcohol, and cigarettes.
Symptoms Of Colorectal Cancer
Patients with colorectal cancer may experience a variety of symptoms. Here are just some of the possible symptoms of the disease:
- Changes in bowel habits,
- Blood in the stool,
- Dull abdominal pain,
- Unexplained weight loss,
- Fatigue
- Pale skin due to anemia
Treatment
The most effective way to successfully treat this disease is prevention. The basic method of prevention is based on changing harmful habits and eliminating as many risk factors for the development of the disease as possible.
In addition, testing for occult bleeding is recommended for everyone over the age of 50.
In the event of a positive result, a colonoscopy is recommended. Through a colonoscopy performed by an experienced endoscopist, it is possible to timely remove all polyps that, otherwise, through further mutations, can lead to advanced carcinoma. All patients with colorectal cancer identified in the early stages of the disease have a probability of cure exceeding 95%.
As the disease progresses beyond the initial stage, not only does the tumor grow, but malignant cells also spread to the glands around the corresponding blood vessels, and subsequently to the liver and lungs.
Surgical Treatment of Colorectal Cancer
The cornerstone of treating colorectal cancer is surgical intervention. The goal of oncologically adequate standardized surgical treatment is the removal of the affected segment of the colon along with local and regional lymph nodes. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, it is possible to remove a portion of the colon, with variations such as the right half, left half, or the entire organ.
Another significant modality of treatment is drug therapy, which is divided into targeted (biological) therapy and chemotherapy with cytostatic drugs. Only by combining different treatment modalities, prescribed by multidisciplinary teams, can one strive for successful control and treatment of the disease in patients with advanced stages.
What if there are already metastases?
According to statistics from global centers, approximately one-fifth of patients with colorectal cancer are diagnosed in the fourth stage of the disease, with the spread of the disease to other organs (liver, lungs, bones). In such a situation, the decision on further treatment is made within a multidisciplinary team (surgeon, oncologist, radiation oncologist, radiologist, pathologist).
Depending on the number and location of changes in other organs, treatment is initiated with chemotherapy, supplemented by targeted (biological) therapy.
Before the start of treatment, it is necessary to undergo a colonoscopy with biopsies of the colorectal tumor, as well as a CT scan (chest, abdomen, and pelvis). Determining the levels of tumor markers (CEA, CA 19-9) is advised, and these values are then monitored after the completion of therapy cycles.
The presence of metastases determines different therapeutic approaches, but it is not a reason to give up on treatment and lose hope. By combining drug therapy and surgery, long-term disease control and years of survival without disease recurrence can be achieved.
What are the advantages of minimally invasive surgery?
Laparoscopy is a technique that provides access to the abdominal cavity through small incisions in the abdominal wall, ranging in size from 5 to 12 mm. Through specially made working channels (ports) and with the help of elegant instruments and a camera with magnification ranging from 5 to 10 times, we can access every part of the abdominal cavity and chest, adequately observe, and address the issue. These small incisions, compared to traditional surgeries, offer the possibility of quick recovery, and reduce the risk of infection, allowing a return to regular activities in just a few days. The advantage of a magnifying camera minimizes the possibility of error in experienced hands to a minimum, leading to the observation of the tiniest details during the procedure.
