Patient Stories & News

3 Important Developments Shaping Colon Cancer Treatment

With the colonoscopy techniques that have come a long way in the diagnosis of colon cancer recently, much higher resolution devices have been used. In this way, it is possible to understand whether a polyp is benign or malignant, more at the biopsy or polypectomy stage. However, polyps that are flatter in terms of structure and difficult to remove can be removed thanks to these technically superior technologies.

Explaining that laparoscopy-assisted polypectomy can be performed sometimes when the colonoscopy is performed alone when the polyps are large, our own doctor said, “While the gastroenterologist performs colonoscopy, the general surgery team supports with laparoscopy. These are called hybrid or combined inverventions. “The number of polyp, its structure and size determine the second colonoscopy time for that patient after polypectomy.”

2-Determining Subtypes of Colon Cancer and Targeted Therapies

Our own doctor stated that in addition to the developments in diagnostic methods for colon cancers, the second development in medicine is targeted drugs and determination of subtypes of colon cancers, gave the following information: “First, we apply genetic testing to colon cancer. Here, we are looking for whether there are known gene mutations. Then we know which chemotherapy will benefit more and what results will be achieved. Survival rate is better for tumors that can benefit from targeted drugs. However, correct staging is extremely important in treatment success. As the stage progresses, the success rate decreases in solid tumors. The survival time of the patient becomes shorter and more problematic. It is important to detect the patient at the first stage, early diagnosis, but more importantly, to be able to plan according to the stage. “

3- Surgical Advancements

Our own doctor gave the following information; “Although the methods are different, we can now perform the operations through smaller incisions and holes. Fewer incisions mean that the patient’s bowel functions start earlier, the person gets up and starts work quicker.

In these laparoscopic applications, we can enter from the abdomen as well as from the anus. We are applying a new surgical approach, which is defined as interphincteric resection and has been on the agenda recently. We protect the outer muscle by removing the inner muscle from the two muscle groups that allow us to keep stool in our anus, especially in lower rectal cancers. Thus, patient satisfaction increases as the patient does not have to live with a bag. In addition, there have been important developments in rectal sparing surgery in recent years. It is preferred in rectal tumors, which constitute approximately one third of colon cancers. “

Our own doctor informs that in addition to laparoscopic applications, the patient can be monitored with anus preserving nonoperative management, ie non-surgical treatment, but this method is still in an experimental stage.

 

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