In order to convey the developments in the diagnosis and treatment of rectal cancer, a symposium titled "Advances in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Cancer" was recently organized by Acıbadem University Atakent Hospital.
General Surgery Specialist Prof. from Gastrointestinal Oncology Unit. Dr. Erman Aytaç pointed out in the interview that everyone should have a colonoscopy at the age of 45, even if there are no risk factors for early diagnosis. Prof. stated that if there are genetic risk factors, the screening age can be reduced to 15. Dr. Erman Aytaç said, “Polyps, which are the most common cause of rectal cancer, become cancerous within a certain period of time. There may be no obvious symptoms while in the polyp phase, so screening is very important. "Nowadays, almost all colon polyps can be removed colonoscopically," he said.
A TYPE OF CANCER THAT CAN BE FULLY HEALED WITH TREATMENT!
General Surgery Specialist Prof. stated that rectum cancer is a type of cancer that can be fully cured if diagnosed and treated early. Dr. Erman Aytaç stated that in rectal cancer, if the disease has not spread to distant organs, surgical treatment is generally used as the first option and said, “However, some chemotherapies or especially drugs can be used in patients who have not metastasized. "In the presence of metastasis, if there is no obstruction, bleeding or perforation, chemotherapy is often the first choice of treatment," he said.
General Surgery Specialist Prof. points out that there are extremely important developments in the treatment of rectal cancer today. Dr. Erman Aytaç said, "For example, with the new drug protocols applied to patients with distant metastases, which were previously considered inoperable because they were detected at an advanced stage, the tumor is reduced and made operable." General Surgery Specialist Prof. emphasized that robotic or laparoscopic methods, called 'minimally invasive' surgery, have been used in surgical methods in recent years. Dr. Erman Aytaç said, “Both methods offer the advantage of faster recovery, less pain after surgery and a quick return to normal life compared to open surgery. "In addition, robotic surgery provides a much more comfortable environment for the surgeon with a higher chance of success, with the good vision and maneuverability it offers during surgery."
NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT OPTIONS ARE DISCUSSED!
Medical Oncology Specialist Prof. from Acıbadem University Atakent Hospital Gastrointestinal Oncology Unit. Dr. Leyla Özer emphasized that rectal cancer can be better controlled thanks to groundbreaking developments in cancer treatment in recent years.
Pointing out that today, it has been observed that the tumor can disappear completely in some of the patients with the use of radiotherapy and chemotherapy together and for a longer period of time. Dr. Leyla Özer said, “This rate is approximately 20-25 percent. "If it is shown that the tumor has completely disappeared after radiotherapy and chemotherapy by colonoscopy, MRI and PET, the non-surgical treatment option can be discussed in these patients," he said.
"However, it would be a wrong message to generalize from this information that rectal cancer can now be treated completely without surgery," warned Prof. Dr. Leyla Özer continued her words as follows: "We find it appropriate to discuss the choice of non-surgical treatment, especially in cases where it is not possible to preserve the rectum and in cases where the tumor disappears completely after radiotherapy and chemotherapy in patients who are likely to open a permanent stoma after surgery."
