Colorectal cancer treatment in Turkey, Prices of Istanbul Clinics 2024

What is colorectal cancer?

As the name suggests, colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the colon and the rectum, a section of the large intestine. It is the second most common cause of cancer-related death and the third malignancy that affects the largest number of individuals worldwide. Both men and women are impacted by this intestinal illness.

Diet and lifestyle more generally are important factors in the development of the tumor. Indeed, researchers have noticed that colorectal cancer is more common in countries that consume and depend on industrial products. For example, the Japanese in their country are little affected by the disease but become as affected as the Americans a few years after immigrating to the United States.

Evolution of the disease

Colon and rectal tumors, like most other tumors, take several years to form. They usually develop in the lining of the colon from fleshy growths called polyps. Although these polyps are usually benign, some can create cancerous tumors.

It takes an average of 10 years for the tumor to form, and its growth allows it to spread to other organs. This is because, at a certain stage, cancer spreads to the lymph nodes and then to other organs such as the liver, creating metastases.

Symptoms of colon tumor

During the first years of growth and early stages, colorectal cancer is very inconspicuous and continues to grow unnoticed. However, some symptoms can be a sign of a tumor in the colon or large intestines. These symptoms are:

• A change in bowel habits that extends over a long period, such as constipation or diarrhea.
• Stomach cramps and pain, intestinal gas, and many other abdominal problems.
• Blood in the stool.
• Significant and unexplained weight loss.
• A constant urge to defecate and a feeling that the intestines are always full.

Causes and risk factors for colorectal cancer

Age is the main cause, but also the most important risk factor, for cancers of the digestive organs. However, thanks to research and advances in medicine and oncology, other risk factors have been found. These factors that can be the cause of colorectal cancer are:

• Factors related to nutrition: alcohol consumption, heavy consumption of cold cuts and red meat, obesity, and overweight.
• Sedentary lifestyle: lack of physical activity, because the latter helps and facilitates intestinal transit.
• Tobacco: Cancers of the large intestines appear more often in smokers.
• Heredity.
• Presence of benign polyps also called adenomas on the wall of the intestine.
• Inflammatory bowel disease.
• Background with colorectal cancer: people with a first cured colon cancer have a high risk of developing one second.

Colorectal cancer screening: How to detect the tumor?

Early detection of colorectal cancer is very important in the process of healing from the disease. Indeed, the more the tumor is detected at an advanced stage, the more the patient has a chance of being cured.

Screening is reserved mainly for people between 50 and 75 years old, as more than half of the cases are people over 70 years old. Since 2015, a new, more precise, and less unpleasant technique has been used to detect the disease. It is based on the use of immunological tests.

Colon tumor treatment in Istanbul

Treatment for colon cancer in Istanbul depends on how advanced the disease is. This is why it is favorable to diagnose and detect the tumor at an early stage. There are three types of treatment:

• Surgery.
• Radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
• Medications.

Surgical treatment 

Colorectal surgery is the main and most commonly used treatment for tumors of the colon and rectum. This technique involves removing the affected part and a small part of the healthy tissue around it. It is also possible to remove polyps only during a colonoscopy if the tumor is at an early stage.

If a large part of the rectum has been removed, surgeons perform a colostomy. This surgery consists of creating an artificial anus for the patient.

Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy

Doctors use these treatments when the cancer is at an advanced stage and has already spread to other organs. They kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can be given in two different ways: as palliative or adjuvant therapy.

Chemotherapy, in tablets or by injection, delivers toxic chemicals. Several side effects appear from using this treatment, such as hair loss, nausea, and severe fatigue.

Radiotherapy uses rays created by electromagnetic waves pointed at cancer cells. This treatment can be used before or after cancer surgery, depending on the case and the stage of the disease.

Medical treatment

Medicines are generally used to supplement other treatments. They make it possible to stop the multiplication of cancer cells. Certain drugs such as Bevacizumab can limit the development of the tumor. This type of medication is prescribed only if the cancer is metastatic.