Is colorectal cancer curable?

Posted by Dr. Sleiman and Doctor Le Thanh Tuan - General Surgery Department - Vinmec Nha Trang International Hospital

Currently, surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment for patients with colorectal cancer. In addition, combination therapy (chemotherapy, radiation therapy, resection of metastases) increases survival in selected cases.

The rectum is the end of the alimentary canal consisting of 2 parts: the colon and the rectum. Colon includes: cecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon and Sigma colon
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the world and is rarely seen in people under 40 years of age. Symptoms of the disease are nonspecific and are often confused with benign colorectal disease. Currently, surgical resection is the main curative treatment. In addition, combination therapy (chemotherapy, radiation therapy, resection of metastases) increases survival in selected cases.

The majority of colorectal cancers are adenocarcinomas arising from epithelial cells. Approximately 71% of new colorectal cancers arise in the colon and 29% arise in the rectum. Less common types of colorectal malignancies are carcinoid tumors, gastrointestinal stromal cell tumors, and lymphomas. Age is the greatest risk factor for primary colorectal adenocarcinoma, with 99% of cases occurring in people 40 years of age and older.

The risk factors for colon cancer are obesity, advanced age. Especially those who have close relatives such as parents or siblings with colorectal cancer, the risk increases 2 to 3 times. Most polyps found in the colon are benign, but almost all colorectal cancers arise from polyps. Therefore, when colon polyps are detected during colonoscopy, there are indications for excision or biopsy to determine the nature of that polyp.

Currently in the world there is no general rule about colorectal cancer screening. According to the American Cancer Society's recommendation, a fecal blood test should be performed once a year, if there is bruising in the stool or bloody stools, a colonoscopy should be performed. once, an abdominal CT scan every five years. If you have a close relative with colorectal cancer, you should have a colonoscopy every five years. Colorectal cancer often progresses silently with atypical symptoms such as: weight loss, bloody stools, bowel disorders such as diarrhea or long-term constipation. When the tumor is growing, the patient will have signs of semi-obstruction and intestinal obstruction such as: intermittent abdominal pain, abdominal distension, nausea and vomiting after eating.
To diagnose colon cancer should be based on clinical and paraclinical. When there are suspicious signs, the doctor will order colonoscopy and abdominal CT scan to determine the tumor location and extent of invasion. In addition, during the endoscopy, the doctor will biopsy the tumor to determine the nature of the tumor.

Surgery is the first and most effective method of treating colorectal cancer. Currently, at Vinmec Nha Trang International Hospital, laparoscopic surgery has been routinely used to treat colorectal cancer with modern equipment such as laparoscopic splicing machine, LigaSure knife or ultrasound knife. .. Especially Dr. Dr. Farouk Sleiman from France with more than 40 years of experience in laparoscopic surgery and the cooperation of oncologists will ensure that patients receive the best and comprehensive treatment.

In April & May 2021, when there is a need for colorectal cancer examination and treatment at Vinmec Times City International Hospital & Vinmec Central Park International Hospital, customers will enjoy preferential treatment. Double offer:
- Free specialist examination and 50% discount on Colorectal Cancer Screening Package
- 50% discount on costs for customers with indications for post-examination treatment. The program is limited to the corresponding technique of each hospital and to customers who perform this treatment technique for the first time at Vinmec.