Bowel cancer is a malignant tumor that grows from the intestinal epithelium (mucosa). This tumor affects different parts of the intestinal tract: the colon (bowel), small intestines and rectum. This pathology hs no significant symptoms, which makes early diagnosis difficult.

The cause of cancer can be a malignant transformation of polyps that grow on the intestinal mucosa. Polyps develop due to chronic pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract. For this reason, the treatment program in Germany includes taking samples of polyp tissue for lab analysis (biopsy).

Only in Germany

There are over 1000 medical institutions, 30% of which specialize in the field of oncological diseases. See German clinics for the treatment of bowel cancer.

The cost of treatment of bowel cancer includes a period of rehabilitation and postoperative laboratory tests. German law controls all prices for medical services.

The possibility to start the diagnosis and treatment of bowel cancer in the short term (test results and medical records are sent to the selected medical institution of Germany, after a short time the clinic sends an invitation for treatment).

Surgical treatment reduces the risk of cancer recurrence in 80% of cases.

Diagnosis of intestinal cancer in Germany

Diagnosis of intestinal cancer in Germany begins with an examination, consultation with specialists (gastroenterologist, oncologist or an abdominal surgeon) depending on the stage of the process.

The next stage is a visualization of the tumor:

  • Irrigoscopy - X-ray examination of the intestine with the introduction of a contrast agent;
  • Colonoscopy is a procedure for assessing the condition of the inner surface of the colon, up to 150 cm from the anus;
  • MRI - determination of the size and type of tumor;
  • PET-CT the detection of metastases and the extent of damage to other organs.

Laboratory research:

  • Blood test;
  • Study of feces for traces of blood;
  • Screening-test for the gene mutations;
  • Biopsy
  • Assessment of tumors sensitivity to chemotherapy.

In case of suspicious cancerous formations, German oncologists perform minimally invasive surgeries to remove polyps following (if needed) with a course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Treatment of intestinal cancer in Germany

Germany is one of few countries in the world that can provide an individual course of treatment and rehabilitation for patients with intestinal cancer in 200 narrow-profile institutions. Personal treatment program depends on the location of the tumor, the stage of disease and presence of metastases.

Surgical resection of tumor

The multidisciplinary approach is applied to the treatment of colon cancer in Germany. A team of specialists: diagnosticians, radiologists, gastro-oncologists, surgeons and other doctors are engaged in the treatment.

The main treatment method is surgical removal of the tumor. Doctors provide laparoscopic surgical procedures for the restoration or replacement of the damaged fragment of the organ (to preserve bowel functions). The risk of side effects after such operations is minimal - only 2%. For maximum accuracy, the Da Vinci robotic system is applied (the most advanced device).

Tactics of treatment of patients with intestinal cancer

Surgical removal:

  • Laparoscopic hemicolectomy - partial removal of the intestine (partial colectomy, or segmental resection);
  • Colectomy - resection of the entire colon (can be of 2 types: open and laparoscopic-assisted one). This type of surgery performed at advanced stages. Because growing tumor leads to complete intestinal obstruction

Chemotherapy with cytostatics (FOLFOX4: fluorouracil, folinic acid, and oxaliplatin);

Radiochemotherapy (combination of chemotherapy with irradiation).

Treatment of patients at advanced stages:

  • Preoperative radiotherapy;
  • Preoperative chemotherapy;
  • Surgical removal of a tumor (colectomy);
  • Postoperative radiotherapy.

Rehabilitation and prevention of bowel cancer

  • Elimination of postoperative complications associated with prolapse of the intestine through an artificial anus;
  • Individual recommendations regarding nutrition, psychological and social recovery.

Preventative measures to prevent recurrence of bowel cancer include regular colonoscopy and visits to a gastroenterologist.