Rectal cancer is a malignant tumor that starts in the rectum, the last 6 inches of the digestive tract, connecting the colon and the anus. It is one of the most common types of cancer, accounting for about 10 percent of all colorectal cancers. The risk of rectal cancer increases as you become older, but it can also develop in young adults and teenagers.
Rectal cancers require early detection and treatment as they are challenging to treat. Previously, the long-term survival rate for rectal cancer was uncommon, but fortunately, it has improved dramatically in recent decades due to advancements in treatment.
Dr. Sandeep Nayak is one of the leading oncologists for rectal cancer treatment in Bangalore, India. He specializes in robotic, laparoscopic, and endoscopic surgeries. He has acquired international recognition for his proficiency in minimal access cancer surgeries.
He has introduced several innovative, cutting-edge surgical methods that have improved the procedure's outcome and have given patients a fighting chance to overcome rectal cancer in Bangalore, India. His accurate diagnosis, systematic treatment approach, and exceptional surgical skills make him one of the best oncologist in India for rectal cancer treatment.
Keep on reading for details about rectal cancer treatment in Bangalore, India.
But let’s start with symptoms of rectal cancer.
Some common symptoms of rectal cancer are:
- Blood in your stool
- Rectal bleeding
- Thin, narrow stool
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation and diarrhea
- Feel as if the bowels aren’t emptying completely
- Weight loss
What are the risk factors and causes for rectal cancer?
The exact reason for the occurrence of rectal cancer is unknown. However, certain factors can increase the risk of developing it, such as:
- Family history
- Increasing age
- Smoking and excessive intake of alcohol
- Certain inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
- Polyps growing in the inner lining of the rectum turn cancerous
- Hereditary genetic condition
- Sedentary lifestyle
How is rectal cancer diagnosed?
Early detection and accurate diagnoses are crucial for effectively treating rectal cancer. Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a highly experienced oncologist in India, will perform a physical exam and discuss your medical history during your initial consultation.
He may ask you to undergo some tests to confirm the diagnosis and stage of cancer. They include:
- Blood tests
- PET scan
- Imaging tests, such as CT scan, MRI, and ultrasound
What are the options for rectal cancer treatment in Bangalore, India?
Dr. Sandeep Nayak, Chief of surgical oncology at MACS Clinic, Bangalore and the Director of Surgical Oncology and HOD of Minimal Access Surgical Oncology at Fortis Cancer Institute, Bannerghatta Road, plans the treatment according to your tumor's size, stage, location, and general health.
Generally, the primary line of treatment for rectal cancer is surgery. The surgical oncologist will decide the type of procedure based on your case.
Transanal endoscopic microsurgery:
It is a safe and effective way to remove small tumors contained in one area through your anus using a scope. This is used in selected patients who cannot undergo other major surgeries.
Low anterior resection:
The surgical oncologist will remove the cancerous rectal area and reconnect the remaining rectum with the colon. It will help you pass your bowel movement through a normal anus avoiding permanent stoma.
This is the most common procedure for low rectal cancer. The surgeon removes the anus and performs a colostomy. The colon's end is attached to an opening in your abdomen called the stoma, through which the waste can leave your body and collect in a bag attached to it. However, this can be avoided in most cases using advanced techniques like ISR (described below).
Intersphincteric resection (ISR):
It is one of the most advanced surgical techniques for rectal cancer. This procedure eliminates the need for permanent stoma in around 90% of the patients by preserving the sphincter and restoring bowel continuity.
Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a prominent surgical oncologist for rectal cancer in Bangalore, India, is an expert in ISR. He has performed more than 300 rectal surgeries, either robotically or laparoscopically.
Before or after surgery, the oncologist will use radiation therapy to manage or cure rectal cancer. It helps kill cancer cells by using powerful energy beams and can be used in combination with chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells all over the body. The oncologist can use it before the surgery to shrink the tumor so that it can be easily removed or relieve cancer symptoms.
Here, radiation and chemotherapy are combined to make the cancer cells more vulnerable to treatment and are specially used for large tumors or cancers with a high risk of recurrence. It can be used before or after surgery or as a primary treatment for rectal cancers that can't be operated upon.
Targeted therapy is usually for people with advanced rectal cancer. Here, the oncologist will use drugs to target specific abnormalities within the cancer cells to kill them.
It uses our immune system to fight cancer. This biological therapy uses our immune system to improve its natural instinct to fight the disease.
What is the rectal cancer treatment cost in India?
The rectal cancer treatment in India is cost-effective compared to developed countries. The treatment charges depend on the type of surgery you undergo and all the other added treatments necessary to overcome cancer.
It may include radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. Your oncologist will plan the treatment depending on cancer's type, size, stage, and location.
But be rest assured that rectal cancer treatment cost in India is affordable.
Can rectal cancer be prevented?
It is not possible to prevent rectal cancer, but you can minimize the risk by:
- Exercising regularly
- Having a healthy weight
- Refraining from alcohol consumption and smoking
- Consuming a healthy diet