Operative and medicinal treatment of colorectal cancer

Before prescribing treatment for rectal cancer, the doctor should take into account such characteristics as the stage of the tumor, its exact location and volume, the depth of penetration into surrounding tissues, the presence of metastases, as well as the general condition of the patient. There are many methods of treating the disease. The doctor's task is to choose the optimal therapeutic scheme that is most suitable for a particular patient.

[1], [2], [3],

Medicines for the treatment of colon cancer

Drugs (chemotherapy) are prescribed for tumors very, very often, but the main method of treating cancer still remains an operation. Chemotherapy can be used to inhibit tumor growth, to prevent and remove metastases, in preparation for or after surgery, to improve the effectiveness of treatment.

Currently, such medicines are used, depending on the purpose for which chemotherapy is used:

• Erbitux - is administered intravenously once / 7 days. Can be appointed independently, or in combination with Irinotecan. Among the possible side effects - allergies, skin rashes.
• Avastin - administered intravenously once / 20 days. It blocks blood flow to malignant cellular structures. Usually prescribed in combination with 5-fluorouracil, or Irinotecan, especially in the presence of metastases. Among the side effects - increased blood pressure, nosebleeds, an increased risk of thrombosis.
• Irinotecan - administered intravenously once / 10 days, sometimes in combination with 5-fluorouracil. Side effects - fatigue, diarrhea, a decrease in hemoglobin, an increase in predisposition to infectious diseases.
• Oxaliplatin (Eloxatin) - intravenously administered once / 15-20 days. In the presence of metastases is combined with 5-fluorouracil. Of the side effects most common fatigue, dyspeptic disorders, infection, paresis and paresthesia, a feeling of cold in the body.
• Capecitabine is a drug for internal use, has an effect and side effects similar to 5-fluorouracil.
• 5-fluorouracil is a means for intravenous administration, usually combined with radiotherapy. Like all chemotherapeutic drugs, it has a number of side effects: increased fatigue, diarrhea, ulcerative stomatitis, peeling and redness of the feet and palms.

The effectiveness of chemotherapy, as an independent type of treatment, is rather low. However, in combination with other therapeutic effects, the chances of success significantly increase.

Radiation therapy for the treatment of rectal cancer

Radiation therapy is the effect of X-rays of increased energy, which is a photon flux or directed beams of other elementary particles. Directed highly dosed rays, which in effect outstrip the ordinary rays used for radiographic examination, have a destructive ability against malignant cancer cells. This leads to damage to the DNA of the cell and its destruction.

Before you start to irradiate, you need to think about how to protect the nearest from the tumor to healthy tissue. For this, the doctor carefully considers the scheme of the therapy. It consists in determining the location of the trunk of the patient, so that the radiation stream is directed strictly in the right direction. This will make radiation more effective, and the load on nearby tissues is minimal. At the thought of such a scheme, specific correction marks are applied to the skin of the patient.

In order to protect healthy tissues, among other things, reflective lead plates are used for patients. To clarify the size of the tumor and match the diameter of the beam with it, computer or magnetic resonance imaging is performed.

What the irradiation sessions give:

• reduce the size of the neoplasm (to simplify the conduct of surgical intervention);
• destroy the malignant cells that could remain after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence of the disease.

Sessions are held every day, for one and a half months. Each procedure lasts only a couple of minutes and does not cause any discomfort to the patient.

Side effects of radiation can be:

• irritation of the skin;
• diarrhea;
• weakness.

After completion of therapy, all adverse events usually disappear.

Alternative treatment for colorectal cancer

Rectal cancer is a very serious disease, which it would be unreasonable to treat with only alternative means. Recipes of alternative medicine can be used only as a supplement to traditional treatment, after consultation and approval of the doctor.

Enema in colorectal cancer can be used to facilitate the release of feces. As a rule, in clinics, the enema is placed immediately before diagnostic tests or surgical intervention. But in alternative medicine, enemas are frequently used to inject infusions of herbs and saline solutions into the rectum, which is an element of cancer treatment. From practice it is not recommended to conduct enemas for neoplasms of considerable size, with decomposing tumors and in the presence of metastases. If the neoplasm has a small size, then the enema is not forbidden to put it - though, it should be carefully and carefully. In the event that after the enema there is a worsening of the patient's condition, or there are pains, then this method of treatment should be abandoned. In the absence of unpleasant sensations, the use of an enema is entirely permissible.

Most often as a microclyster in cancer of the rectum use infusions of herbs. The following fees are encouraged:

• grass celandine, sage, kidney birch and poplar, grass horsetail field;
• grass celandine, horsetail herb, camomile, wormwood, poplar buds;
• color of chamomile, hemlock, celandine grass, calendula, flax, casserole;
• elephant, rosehip, leaves of nettle.

To prepare the infusion, take 10 g of each ingredient, mix (1 tbsp of the mixture with 250 ml of water), brew and infuse for 2.5 hours. After filtering, add 1 tbsp. L. Sea buckthorn oil. Used as an enema before bedtime. When used, the infusion should not be hot, but have a temperature of +35 ° C. Duration of treatment is 10-14 days. After a week-long break, the course can be repeated.

Treatment of rectal cancer with soda is quite risky and is not welcomed by representatives of official medicine. Nevertheless, such a method exists, and we will tell you about it for informational purposes.

The mechanism of exposure to soda is as follows: an alkaline solution blocks the development of cancer cells, for which the acidic habitat is favorable. As a result, the neoplasm ceases to grow and eventually dissolves (at least, so adherents of alternative treatment say). In order to show the therapeutic effect of baking soda, it is used in the form of solutions for oral administration, for setting enemas and even for injecting directly into the tumor. Internal application of a soda solution at once is called into question, in fact any alkali is neutralized by acidic contents of a stomach that can lead only to a lesion of gastric walls. As for the enema application of soda solution, here the question is rather controversial, to which even today no clear answer has been given.

Herbal treatment is the most well known method of affecting a cancerous tumor. There are many recipes for herbs, but they are all effective in different ways. The most popular methods of treatment are:

• mix 10 grams of aloe leaf (not less than 4 years old), rhizomes of elecampane, birch mushroom, pour 500 ml of red wine and insist in the dark for 7-8 days, stirring occasionally. Eat 50 ml three times a day after eating;
• mix 30 g of freshly squeezed juice from the lower leaves of aloe with 20 g of natural liquid honey. Separately, 20 grams of St. John's wort, pour 1500 ml of water and boil for 5 minutes, then strain and mix with 100 ml of wine. Mix the resulting mixture with aloe and honey. The wine is red dry. The medicine should be stored in a dark bottle in a cool place, you can in the refrigerator. Use 2 tsp. Three times a day after meals;
• mix 2 tablespoons of buckthorn and 1 spoon of chamomile. Collection in an amount of 1 tbsp. Spoon a glass of boiling water and insist for half an hour. Filter and drink the infusion at a time. Such a medicine should be done daily.

Purity in cancer of the rectum helps to eliminate spasms, pain, and also to repair cancer-damaged tissues.

In order to prepare a medicine, you need to dig a plant during the flowering period (around May) along with the rhizome, rinse and dry in the shade for 2 hours. After this, it is necessary to grind the celandine through the meat grinder and squeeze out the formed juice. To stand in the refrigerator for 3 days, filter and pour the juice with medical alcohol (1 liter of juice - 0.25-0.3 liters of alcohol). Preserve funds up to 5 years. Take 1 tablespoon per hour before meals, with a small amount of water, about 4 times a day.

Before starting the use of alternative remedies, do not forget to consult a doctor - this will help you avoid adverse consequences after the end of treatment.

[4], [5], [6]

Suppositories for rectal cancer

To alleviate the symptoms of a cancerous tumor, a suppository with analgesics is often used to eliminate pain syndrome. The most common suppositories on the basis of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or locally anesthetic drugs.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory suppositories:

• Ketonal;
• Fleksen;
• Arthrosylen;
• Voltaren;
• Artrum;
• Diclofenac, etc.

Anesthetic suppositories:

• Novocain candles;
• Anestezol.

Suppositories for pain removal in cancerous tumors are prescribed for administration every 5 hours, into the rectal cavity, preferably after bowel movement.

Glycerin suppository for rectal cancer is not recommended. Such suppositories effectively eliminate constipation, but irritate the already damaged mucosal tissue of the intestine. The use of glycerol can lead to aggravation of the disease and the appearance of bleeding cancer.

Vitamins for rectal cancer

Oncological patients can take vitamins and need, because such biological components are actively involved in the restoration of the body and support its immunity. In addition, vitamins reduce side effects of irradiation and chemotherapy, they allow to reduce the manifestations of intoxication. However, patients need to take into account that the choice and use of vitamin preparations must be coordinated with the doctor, since some vitamin substances can, on the contrary, give an incentive to the growth of the tumor.

• Vitamin A has an anti-cancer effect, thanks to the antioxidant effect, the ability to improve the connections between cells and normalize the cell cycle. Typically, retinol is administered intramuscularly for several months. The main thing - do not exceed the dosage, otherwise the intoxication of the body can only worsen.
• Vitamins B are responsible for the course of metabolism in the body. Despite the importance and value of these vitamins, they should be taken with caution in tumors, as they can significantly stimulate the growth and recovery of cells, including cancer.
• Ascorbic acid significantly reduces the risk of developing tumors and can be used as their prevention. In the presence of cancer, vitamin C smooths the side effects when taking cytostatics or hormones, increasing immunity and promoting the formation of free radicals.
• Vitamin D ensures the integrity of the vascular walls, activates the immune system, restores calcium metabolism.
• Vitamin E is used to prevent the likely recurrence of malignant tumors - it is often used during rehabilitation, especially after treatment with cytostatic drugs.

Vitamins are indispensable for restoring and maintaining the body in a difficult period for health. It is not always possible to get all the necessary substances with food, so in many cases, doctors prescribe complex vitamin preparations to strengthen the body's internal reserves.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy in the form of medical direction was formed more than two hundred years ago. And already for today in our country are allowed to use not less than 1500 different homeopathic preparations. Moreover, over the past 20 years, such drugs have been recognized, including representatives of academic medicine, due to the large number of studies conducted and the positive results from the funds used.

As for oncology, here homeopathic preparations are used mainly for the prevention of malignant diseases, and not for treatment. If the patient's condition is such that surgical intervention, chemotherapy and radiation are required, then such a course of treatment should be carried out without fail. Homeopathic remedies can be used to reduce side effects, to facilitate the patient's well-being, and also to prepare the oncology for surgical intervention or during rehabilitation.

If you still want to try some homoeopathic medicine to treat cancer, then evaluate the situation soberly, consult a doctor and take a weighted decision.

Operative treatment of rectal cancer

Operative treatment of a tumor is the main variant of the fight against the disease. As practice has shown, any other type of treatment has only a temporary, restraining effect.

Currently, surgical surgeons practice such variants of surgical interventions as radical and organ-preserving surgery for colorectal cancer. That is, if there is a possibility, the doctor will try to save part of the rectum for the possibility of further maintaining the function of removing the feces from the anus. With a radical operation, the anal sphincter function is lost, and instead of it another, artificial hole called a colostomy is output.

The following types of operations for colon cancer are known:

• resection - removal of the damaged bowel area with the formation of a special tubular department with a lower location in the pelvis. Resection is performed when the tumor is localized on the upper or middle part of the rectum;
• resection with the reduction of the part of the colon to the anal canal area is an operation to remove the affected bowel with displacement of the upper intestine in its place, which makes it possible to form a semblance of the rectum and preserve the natural anal sphincter. Such an operation is performed in the normal state of the upper intestinal parts;
• removal of the tumor site of the rectum, along with nearby fiber areas and lymph nodes. The sphincter is not preserved, in the abdomen the colostomy is excreted;
• surgical intervention by the Hartmann method - removal of only neoplasms and the withdrawal of colostomy. It is prescribed for weak patients and patients of senile age;
• the output of the colostomy (neoplasm is not removed at the same time) is assigned when the malignant process is started in order to prolong the patient's viability.

In addition, operations can be combined with each other. For example, surgical removal of the rectum can be carried out simultaneously with the removal of metastases or germinating areas of education in the nearest organs.

There is also such a thing as inoperable rectal cancer - it is a tumor that can not be removed because of neglect of the process, or because of an unsatisfactory general condition of the patient, which prevents the doctor from performing the operation. In this case, symptomatic treatment is carried out to support the patient's life. In the presence of intestinal obstruction, minimal intervention is recommended to remove the colostomy aperture, without resection of the neoplasm.

Rehabilitation

The rehabilitation period for the operated patients is:

• wearing a bandage belt to reduce the load on the muscular system of the abdomen (this favors the rapid healing of damaged tissues);
• in observance of motor activity in the postoperative period (it is recommended to get up after a few days, walk along the corridor, etc.);
• in the observance of a special sparing diet for the adjustment of the intestine.

Restoration of normal bowel function is an important stage of rehabilitation. At first the patient may suffer from defecation disorders, diarrhea - you should not worry, this is quite normal. Over time, the altered gut will adapt to its condition, and defecation will return to normal.

It is important: to prevent constipation, in order to avoid irritation of the intestines by the calves and the products of their decomposition.

If during the operation the patient was given a colostomy, then it is necessary to explain to the patient the necessity of wearing a special device for collection of feces, in view of the absence of an anal sphincter.

Caring for a patient with cancer of the rectum

Home care for the colostomy hole can be carried out by the patient himself and his relatives. After defecation, the hole is treated according to the following scheme:

• remove remains of stool;
• wash the hole and the area near it with warm water;
• blot the hole with a soft cloth;
• apply an antiseptic ointment on the skin, the surpluses of which are removed with a napkin;
• apply a wadded disk, lubricated with petroleum jelly, to the cleaned hole;
• cover a piece of gauze;
• fixed with bandaging or bandage belt.

Such actions are taken at the stage of healing of the colostomy. After the fistula has healed, the doctor will give recommendations on the use of the kalospriemnika.

In order to replace the bag, it is necessary:

• remove the contaminated absorbent bag and discard it without stretching or injuring the skin;
• Cover the skin near the hole wipe with a napkin, wash with warm water;
• hole dry, lubricate with antiseptic cream (recommended by the doctor);
• glue a new calorimeter to the opening in accordance with the enclosed instructions.

With normal care, patients may well return to their normal lifestyle, getting used to several new conditions of existence.

[7], [8]

Diet for colorectal cancer

A patient with diagnosed rectal cancer should make changes in their diet and lifestyle. Dietary nutrition should consist of foods rich in vitamin and nutrients.

After surgical intervention, useful substances from the digestive system are not digested well enough, so it is important to use high-quality and easily digestible food. The basis of nutrition should be sour-milk and vegetable products, as well as cereals and seafood.

Preferred food:

• fruits - dried fruits, citrus fruits, kiwi, apples, avocados;
• berry - strawberries, strawberries, raspberries, as well as watermelon;
• vegetable cultures - cabbage, zucchini, eggplant, tomato, bell pepper, pumpkin;
• nuts, seeds;
• seafood - fish, seaweed;
• cereals - buckwheat, oatmeal;
• greens, onions, garlic;
• vegetable oils;
• sour-milk products - fresh yogurt, yogurt, cottage cheese.

It is recommended to chew the food well, while eating in small portions, but relatively often (5-6 times a day). Dishes should preferably be prepared immediately before use.

Of the beverages, green tea should be preferred and grass infused.

Hard to digest food, such as fatty meat, fat, fried foods, whole milk, hard and melted cheeses, buns, white rice should be avoided. Sweets, sodas, and semi-finished products are not recommended.

[9], [10], [11], [12]

Prognosis: how many live after the operation?

Approximately 25% of patients with a malignant lesion of the rectum at the time of diagnosis had long-range metastases. And only in 20% of the tumor was detected in the early stages of development. Therefore, most cases of the disease are detected in the third stage.

Statistical survival during the first five years after treatment can be 50-60%. It depends on the scale of the tumor process, on the presence and amount of metastases, on the stage of the disease, on the general condition of the patient.

• If the neoplasm does not leave the mucosa boundary, does not affect more than a third of the rectum, does not have metastases, then the patient survives in 80% of cases.
• If the neoplasm affects more than a third of the size of the intestine (but not more than 5 cm), and also has regional metastases in the nearest lymph nodes, the patient's chances of survival are estimated at 60%.
• If the neoplasm has large dimensions, distant metastases or germinates in the nearest organs, the prognosis in this case is less favorable. The five-year survival rate of such patients is no more than 10-20%.

The fourth stage of the tumor process leaves no chance for any patient to live more than five years.

The treatment of rectal cancer is carried out only after carrying out all diagnostic measures. The doctor must evaluate all the possibilities of medicine so that the outcome of the disease is as favorable as possible. The most suitable treatment regimens are necessarily discussed with the patient, and all procedures are carried out only with his consent (or with the consent of relatives).

Prevention

The key to effective cancer treatment is early diagnosis. For the vast majority of patients, delayed diagnosis can mean an extremely unfavorable prognosis. If the cancer is detected in a timely manner, it significantly increases the patient's chance to survive and lead a full-fledged lifestyle.

For early diagnosis, the following preventive measures are taken:

• Survey of families with an increased risk of cancer;
• regular preventive examinations of people after 50 years;
• preventive monitoring of patients who have already been treated for a cancerous tumor or polyposis of the intestine.

People who often suffer from inflammatory processes in the intestine (eg, ulcerative colitis) are advised to perform a control diagnosis once every 1-2 years, since in such situations there is also a high risk of developing cancer.

In addition to finger periodic examination of the rectum, the following studies are recommended:

• a test for latent blood in the feces;
• X-ray or endoscopic examination;
• biopsy of available polyps.

An important part of prevention is proper nutrition. If obesity is present, the risk of cancer is increased.

To reduce the risk, it is recommended:

• significantly reduce the consumption of red meat (or eliminate altogether);
• use enough calcium (for example, with fermented milk products);
• drink only quality ground coffee (not soluble);
• consume sufficient amount of plant fiber;
• use a sufficient amount of folic acid (for example, with herbs);
• limit sweets and sugar;
• Increase the use of foods rich in vitamins A, C, D and selenium.

Also can reduce the risk of rejection of bad habits and an active lifestyle.