Questions about the diagnosis and treatment of bowel cancer

I have polyps in my colon, is there a risk of colon cancer?

Not all types of polyps turn into cancer. If you have been diagnosed with polyps, it is necessary to undergo a preventive checkup every six months. According to statistics, the probability of them to become cancer is 1-50%, depending on the size and form. Large single polyps are usually removed immediately during colonoscopy.

The removal of suspicious polyps completely solves the problem of intestinal cancer development.

Does bowel cancer occur due to overeating?

There is no direct connection between overeating and colorectal cancer. However, the red meat and fats are among risk factors. In countries where meat products are an essential part of the diet (USA or Germany, for example), the disease is more common.

It is believed that increasing the proportion of plant foods and reducing the number of animal fats in the diet reduces the risk of developing colorectal cancer. It is confirmed by the relevant statistics from the countries of India and Africa.

A relative of mine was diagnosed with intestinal cancer. Is this disease hereditary?

Inherited diseases are genetic disorders that may be passed on within the family if there is a mutant gene present. Gastrointestinal cancer is not considered an inherited one.

Your risk may be higher if a number of your closely related family members have bowel cancer.

A small number of bowel cancers can be linked to genetic conditions which increase your risk. These include Lynch syndrome (or HNPCC - Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer) and Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). This inherited disorder can lead to cancer of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. These conditions are rare. In such patients, cancer is detected by the age of 40.

Recently, my feces became darker, can this be associated with intestinal cancer?

Most often, dark feces are associated with gastric and small intestine bleeding. The further from the stomach is the place of bleeding - the more blood-red would be the feces. If the bleeding caused by hemorrhoids, the blood is visible on the surface of the stool.

Any bleeding requires immediate hospitalization and thorough examination.

I've been diagnosed with stage 3 of colon cancer (metastasis in the liver). Is there any point in surgery?

It depends on the prevalence of the process and the cellular type of tumor. Survival of patients with colon cancer (3-B stage with metastasis in the liver) who underwent treatment reaches up to 40%, so it makes sense to at least consult with your doctor.

Among cancer surgeons, the cancer of this localization is considered to be relatively curable. Besides, the removal of the tumor can improve the quality of life.

I have bowel cancer. I began to experience loss of appetite, pain in the abdomen. What is it, do I need to do something?

A growing tumor partially (and sometimes completely) blocks the intestines. This situation requires immediate surgical care and resection of the affected area.

Some patients misinterpret the symptoms of bowel (intestinal) obstruction and refuse the help of surgeons. It is a dangerous condition that can lead to death. In this cases, surgeons restore the digestion (passage of food through the bowel).

Is it necessary to cut a part of the intestine affected by cancer, or are there other methods of treatment?

The choice of treatment method depends on the stage of the process. At the first stage, as well as with the polyps, the tumor is removed endoscopically. Without incision.

The surgeon determines the amount of tissue to remove at the subsequent stages of a pathological process. Regional lymph nodes, omentum, areas of surrounding organs and tissues can be removed.

Do patients with colorectal cancer and metastases in the sacrum can be operated?

Not necessarily. They will be if it improves the quality of life. It is believed that intestinal cancer with metastases in the bone is not curable. At this point, surgery is performed to avoid death from intestinal obstruction. To do this, the affected part of the bowel is removed, and chemotherapy is prescribed.

It is important to know: pain in the bones does not always indicate the presence of metastases. It is often a sign of osteoporosis caused by the oncological process.

What to do after surgery for bowel cancer?

It is important not to miss a possible relapse. Even if the tumor was removed early in the process of cancer development, you are at risk for life. You need to have examinations every 4 months for the first 2 years, then at least once every 6 months: ultrasound of the liver, colonoscopy (once every 6 months, then every 2 years), CT scan.

I was diagnosed with intestinal cancer (stage 3) and got a recommendation to go to Germany for treatment. Are there any advantages?

The curability and survival rate in clinics in Germany for bowel cancer is higher than world-average by 10-15%.

Plus, there are clinics in Germany that specialize exclusively in the treatment of bowel cancer (unique experience of surgeons and oncologists). Cutting edge diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, effective chemotherapy regimens.

I have intestinal cancer. The oncologist advised Solingen Academic Hospital. What is known for, and why did the doctor suggest it?

The survival rate and curability of patients with intestinal cancer in Germany are one of the highest in the world.

Solingen, most likely, is recommended because of its pricing policy and Specialized Gastrointestinal Treatment Center. Leading German oncologists, gastroenterologists and surgeons work there. Specialists like Professor Boris Pfaffenbach who heads the Department for Gastroenterology, Oncology and Internal Medicine. And Professor Wolfgang Schwenk a Chief Physician of the General and Visceral Surgery Clinic and Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery and Oncology. He is one of the most reputable German specialists in abdominal surgery with a 20 years working experience.