Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Comprehensive evaluation and surgical treatment for colon and rectal cancer with a focus on appropriate oncological and minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Specialist Colorectal Care
Specialist evaluation and treatment for colon and rectal diseases.
Comprehensive Diagnosis
Colonoscopy, biopsy, imaging and appropriate cancer staging.
Advanced Surgical Care
Laparoscopic and oncological surgical approaches when appropriate.
What Is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer is a cancer that develops in the colon or rectum. It is one of the important gastrointestinal cancers and may develop in different parts of the large intestine.
The colon is divided into the ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon and sigmoid colon. The location of a tumour can influence the symptoms with which a patient presents.
Early specialist assessment is important when symptoms such as blood in stool, persistent changes in bowel habits, unexplained anaemia or other concerning gastrointestinal symptoms occur.
Treatment is planned according to the location and stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health and the findings of the multidisciplinary treatment team.
Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
Symptoms can vary depending on the location and stage of the tumour. Persistent or unexplained bowel symptoms should be evaluated by a specialist.
Common Symptoms
- Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
- Persistent change in bowel habits
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Difficulty in passing stools
- Abdominal discomfort or pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent weakness or fatigue
Symptoms According to Location
- Right-sided colon cancer may present with anaemia, weakness or fatigue.
- Left-sided colon cancer may cause constipation or symptoms of obstruction.
- Rectal cancer may cause fresh blood in stool and difficulty passing stools.
- Some patients may have few symptoms during the early stages.
How Is Colorectal Cancer Diagnosed?
A detailed diagnostic evaluation helps identify the tumour, confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of disease.
The exact investigations required depend on the patient's symptoms, clinical findings and suspected location of the disease.
Full-length colonoscopy allows the colon and rectum to be examined and helps identify suspicious lesions.
A biopsy of a suspicious lesion is used to confirm the diagnosis.
CT imaging may be performed as part of cancer staging and treatment planning.
CEA may be measured before treatment and may also be used during follow-up when clinically appropriate.
The available clinical, pathological and imaging findings are considered to determine the appropriate treatment plan.
Colon and Rectal Cancer
The location of colorectal cancer plays an important role in deciding the surgical approach and overall treatment strategy.
Right-Sided Colon Cancer
Tumours in the right side of the colon may present with slow blood loss, anaemia, weakness and fatigue.
Left-Sided Colon Cancer
Left-sided tumours may cause constipation, altered bowel habits and, in some cases, symptoms of intestinal obstruction.
Rectal Cancer
Rectal cancer may cause fresh blood in stool, changes in bowel habits and difficulty in passing stools.
Colorectal Cancer Surgery
Surgery is an important treatment option for operable colorectal cancer. The procedure is selected according to tumour location and individual patient factors.
Radical Colectomy
Radical resection of the affected portion of the colon with appropriate oncological principles may be performed for colon cancer.
Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery may be considered when clinically appropriate and can provide a minimally invasive approach to colorectal cancer surgery.
Rectal Cancer Surgery
Procedures such as Low Anterior Resection may be used for selected rectal tumours depending on their location and stage.
Treatment of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer
Treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer may involve a combination of therapies before surgery, followed by appropriately planned surgical treatment.
Pre-operative Treatment
Selected patients with locally advanced rectal cancer may benefit from pre-operative chemo-radiotherapy as part of the overall treatment plan.
Surgical Planning
Detailed assessment of tumour location, disease stage and patient factors helps determine the most appropriate surgical procedure.
Restorative Surgery
Low Anterior Resection or ultra-low anterior resection may be considered for selected rectal tumours.
Low Anterior Resection & Ultra-Low Surgery
The type of rectal cancer surgery depends on the location of the tumour, its relationship to surrounding structures and the overall treatment plan.
Low Anterior Resection may be performed for suitable rectal cancers when preservation of bowel continuity is considered appropriate.
Ultra-low anterior resection may be considered for selected low rectal tumours. Surgical planning is individualised for each patient.
Oncological Principles
Surgery is planned according to accepted oncological principles.
Minimally Invasive Approach
Laparoscopic surgery may be used where clinically appropriate.
Bowel Reconstruction
Reconstruction is considered based on the individual surgical situation.
Individualised Care
Treatment decisions are tailored to the patient's condition.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the lining of the colon and rectum. It commonly starts in the rectum and may extend through the colon.
Patients may experience bleeding per rectum, diarrhoea and changes in bowel habits. Disease limited to the rectum may sometimes be mistaken for haemorrhoids.
Colonoscopy with biopsy is important for establishing the diagnosis and assessing the extent of disease.
Ulcerative Colitis Evaluation
- Clinical assessment
- Colonoscopy
- Biopsy
- Assessment of disease extent
- Individualised treatment planning
Ulcerative Colitis Treatment
Treatment depends on disease severity, extent, response to medication and development of complications.
Medical Treatment
Medical treatment is generally the first approach for ulcerative colitis.
- Treatment during active disease
- Maintenance medication
- Immunosuppressive therapy when indicated
- Regular clinical follow-up
Surgical Treatment
Surgery may be considered when medical treatment fails or complications develop.
- Total proctocolectomy
- Ileal pouch reconstruction
- Restoration of bowel continuity
- Individualised post-operative care
Colorectal Cancer Treatment Process
Treatment is planned step by step according to the diagnosis, cancer stage and individual patient requirements.
Specialist Evaluation
Symptoms, medical history, examination and previous investigation reports are reviewed during specialist consultation.
Diagnosis & Staging
Colonoscopy, biopsy, imaging and other appropriate investigations help establish the diagnosis and treatment plan.
Treatment Planning
Surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or combined treatment may be considered depending on the individual case.
Recovery After Colorectal Surgery
Recovery after colorectal surgery varies according to the type of procedure, the patient's overall health and post-operative progress.
- Post-operative monitoring
- Gradual return to activity
- Follow-up appointments
- Wound and surgical site care
- Individualised dietary guidance
Follow-Up After Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Regular follow-up is an important part of colorectal cancer care after treatment. Follow-up may include clinical assessment, blood tests, imaging or other investigations when clinically required.
CEA may also be used during follow-up in appropriate patients as advised by the treating team.
Colorectal Cancer Treatment by Dr. Amit Jain
Dr. Amit Jain is a Senior Consultant in Surgical Gastroenterology, GI Oncology, Liver Transplant, Laparoscopy and Bariatric Surgery at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, Delhi.
His clinical practice includes gastrointestinal cancer surgery and advanced laparoscopic procedures. Patients with suspected or diagnosed colorectal cancer can discuss their condition, investigations and available treatment options during specialist consultation.
Treatment planning is based on the location and stage of disease, overall health and the patient's individual surgical requirements.
About Dr. Amit JainColorectal Cancer Consultation in Delhi
Dr. Amit Jain is associated with Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, Delhi for Surgical Gastroenterology and GI Oncology care.
The appropriate consultation and treatment location depends on the patient's medical requirement and the service being sought.
Related GI & Cancer Services
Need a Colorectal Cancer Consultation?
If you have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, have concerning bowel symptoms or have been advised to consider colorectal surgery, specialist evaluation can help determine the appropriate treatment approach.
Book an Appointment