Rectal Cancer Treatment In India

Rectal cancer, situated between the lower part of the large intestine (the sigmoid colon) and the anal canal, is a prevalent yet distinct form of cancer. While often associated with colon cancers, rectal cancer behaves differently and necessitates unique approaches to both understanding and treatment. This type of cancer is among the more commonly diagnosed cancers and understanding its intricacies is vital for early detection and effective treatment.

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Causes of Rectal Cancer:

While the precise causes of rectal cancer remain elusive, several identified risk factors contribute to its development. These include smoking, hereditary predispositions like Lynch syndrome or Familial adenomatosis polyposis, dietary habits—such as low-fiber and high red meat intake, inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis, and obesity.

Symptoms of Rectal Cancer:

Recognizing the symptoms of rectal cancer is crucial for early detection. These symptoms often include blood in stools, alterations in bowel habits, pain during bowel movements, unexplained fatigue, weakness, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss.

Diagnosis and Testing:

The primary diagnostic tool for rectal cancer is a colonoscopy, a procedure involving a camera-equipped tube passed through the anal canal. Suspicious lesions are biopsied for confirmation by a pathologist. Assessing the cancer’s spread requires additional tests such as PET CT scans or MRI.

Treatment Modalities:

Treatment options for rectal cancer vary based on factors like tumor size, location, and stage, as well as the individual’s overall health and preferences. Options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted drug therapy. The choice of treatment is often a combination, tailored to the specifics of the cancer.

Surgical Interventions:

Surgery for rectal cancer is dictated by the tumor’s location. Procedures range from high anterior resection for upper rectal cancers to abdominoperineal resection for tumors affecting the anal canal. Sphincter-preserving surgeries like low anterior resection are considered when suitable.

Robotic Surgery in Rectal Cancer:

Robotic surgery has gained significant traction, especially in mid and lower rectal cancers. Its benefits include magnified visualizations, aiding nerve and sphincter preservation, swift post-operative recovery, and reduced post-surgical discomfort.

Prevention of Rectal Cancer:

While complete prevention might not be possible, minimizing risks involves maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, a balanced diet, alcohol moderation, and quitting smoking.

Understanding the nuances of rectal cancer, its diagnosis, treatment options, and preventive measures is imperative for both healthcare professionals and individuals. Through awareness and early intervention, the prognosis and management of rectal cancer can be significantly improved.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) 

Q: What are the primary risk factors for developing rectal cancer?

Answer: The major risk factors for rectal cancer include smoking, hereditary predispositions like Lynch syndrome or Familial adenomatosis polyposis, poor dietary habits—such as low-fiber and high red meat intake, inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis, and obesity.

Q: What are the most common symptoms indicative of rectal cancer?

Answer: The common symptoms of rectal cancer include blood in stools, changes in bowel habits, pain while passing stools, unexplained fatigue, weakness, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss.

Q: What diagnostic methods are used to detect rectal cancer?

Answer: The primary diagnostic method for rectal cancer is a colonoscopy, wherein a camera-equipped tube is passed through the anal canal to identify and biopsy suspicious lesions. Further tests, such as PET CT scans or MRI, are utilized to assess the cancer’s spread.

Q: Can robotic surgery be performed for rectal cancer, and what are its benefits?

Answer: Robotic surgery is increasingly employed for mid and lower rectal cancers. Its benefits include enhanced visualization aiding nerve and sphincter preservation, quicker post-operative recovery, and reduced post-surgical discomfort.

Q: Are there preventive measures to reduce the risk of developing rectal cancer?

Answer: While complete prevention may not be possible, reducing the risk involves maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, a balanced diet, moderation in alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking. These lifestyle modifications can decrease the risk of developing rectal cancer.

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Dr. Ankur Bahl

Speciality:     Medical Oncologist & Hematologist
Experience: 15 years of experience
Hospital:       Fortis Memorial Research Institute

About Doctor:

• Dr. Ankur Bahl is a renowned Medical Oncologist with experience of over 15 years.
• He offers treatment for Multiple Myeloma, Lymphoma, Breast and Lung Cancer, Gastrointestinal tumors, Gynaecological Tumors, Head, Neck and Brain Tumors and Bone Marrow Transplantation.
• He was the recipient of Dr. Rehan Gold Medal for being the best Outgoing Post Graduate student of Internal Medicine in Delhi University.

Dr. Vedant Kabra

Specialist:      Surgical Oncologist
Experience:   23+ years of experience
Hospital:        Fortis Memorial Research Institute

About Doctor:

• Dr Vedant Kabra is the Head of the Department of Surgical Oncology at Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI)
• He has a rich experience of 23+ years in the field of oncologist.
• Dr Vedant Kabra has successfully performed 12,000 cancer surgeries and various complex oncological procedures including robotic surgeries.

Dr. Vinod Raina

Specialist:       Medical Oncologist
Experience:   40+ years of experience
Hospital:        Fortis Memorial Research Institute

About Doctor:

• Vinod Raina is One of India’s foremost Medical Oncologists at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon.
• Having a vast 40+ years of experience in this field
• He performed the first high dose chemotherapy and peripheral blood stem cell transplant in India in 1994.

Dr. Niranjan Naik

Specialist :       Surgical Oncologist
Experience :    21 years of experience
Hospital :         Fortis Memorial Research Institute

About Doctor:

• Well-known and recognized Onco-Surgeon of India
• Performed more than 12000 cancer surgeries including Breast, Thoracic, Gastro-Intestinal & Hepatobiliary Surgeries
• Trained in Laparoscopic Cancer Surgeries

Dr. Nitesh Rohatgi

Specialist :       Medical Oncologist
Experience :    21 years of experience
Hospital :         Fortis Memorial Research Institute

About Doctor:

• Dr Nitesh Rohatgi is a Medical Oncologist with more than 20 years of expertise.
• Services provided by him include Cancer Treatment, Melanoma Treatment, Cancer Treatment, Cancer Surgery, Lung Cancer Treatment, Hormone Therapy For Breast Cancer, Thyroidectomy, Oral Cancer Treatment, and Chemotherapy.
• He earned his MBBS in 1998 from University of Delhi & DNB-Medical Oncology in 2000 from University of Delhi.

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Dr. Mukesh Patekar

Specialist:         Medical Oncologist
Experience:     9+ years of experience
Hospital:           Fortis Memorial Research Institute  

About Doctor:

• Dr. Mukesh Patekar is a medical oncologist with 9+ Experience.
• Well versed with solid tissue malignancies, haematological malignancies, stem cell transplant as well as paediatric malignancies.
• His expertise lies in chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and palliative care.

Dr. Suman S Karanth

Specialist:         Medical Oncologist
Experience:     8+ years of experience
Hospital:           Fortis Memorial Research Institute  

About Doctor:

• Dr. Suman S Karanth is a medical oncologist with 8+ experience.
• Her expertise lies in Solid malignancies, Lymphoma, Dendritic Cell therapy, and Immunotherapy, including the APECEDEN vaccine which is the only Dendritic cell therapy approved in India.

Dr. Sushil Kumar

Speciality:        Surgical Oncologist
Experience:      28+ Years of Experience
Hospital:           Fortis Memorial Research Institute

About Doctor:

• He is a renowned Surgical Oncologist and Robotic Onco Surgeon, presently working as senior consultant in Department of Surgical Oncology at Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI) Gurugram.
• He is trained in Surgical Oncology from Dharamshila Cancer Hospital, New Delhi and Robotic Surgery training from Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru; Florida Hospital, USA; Yonsei university, Seoul (South Korea).
• He has successfully performed more than 4000 complex onco-surgical operations including open, laparoscopic and robotic procedures.

Dr. Alok T

Speciality:     Surgical Oncologist
Experience:  13+ Years of Experience
Hospital:        Fortis Memorial Research Institute

About Doctor:

• He is a well-known Surgical Oncologist with 10 years of experience.
• His vast areas of expertise in surgery include head & neck cancer, breast cancer, gynecological, oesophageal and thoracic malignancies.
• The doctor had worked in different parts of the country, he has holistic training in surgical oncology.

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We offers these Services

• Providing a doctor’s opinion and proper quotation
• Selecting the best hospital and doctor as per your case
• Arranging a call with the doctor (if the case required)
• Visa assistance, Providing Visa Invitation Letter (VIL)
• Providing full guidance how to get Visa from your country
• Providing total cost including treatment, air tickets, accommodation, and food
• Assitance to book flight ticket from your country
• Arranging airport pick up/ drop
• Providing professional language interpreter
• Booking accommodation and guest house as per your budget/ prefrence
• Providing help in money exchanging
• Providing local sim card
• Arranging video consultation with specialist doctor if case requires