KUWAIT: ?It is very difficult to ignore the facts,? said Dr. Abdullah Al Haddad, Specialist of General Surgery and Colon and Rectum surgery at Dar Al Shifa Hospital. ?Colon cancer is quickly gaining pace as the number one type of cancer found in Kuwait.? ?A patient starts off with fear of diagnosis, and quickly panics or loses hope right after they discover the truth,? he continued. ?What usually works to get them through is by understanding exactly what is happening to them, and the options they have for treatment.?
What is cancer staging all about?
Generally, doctors use staging as a way to assess the required treatment by defining first the extent to which the cancer has spread. Factors taken into account include the size of the tumor, penetration level, effect on adjacent o as well as distant organs, and number of lymph nodes.
On diagnosis & treatment
In terms of diagnosis, the gastroenterologists report is very crucial, as it mainly is used to accurately allocate the lesion or cancer. If the patient has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, then a CT or MRI will be done before surgery. Apart from colonoscopy and surgery, the other existing diagnostic tools that can be used are virtual colonoscopy, capsule endoscopy, or barium enema.
Most colon cancer cases require surgery, after which the doctor can assess whether the patient requires chemotherapy. The only exception to a change of treatment order is in the case of metastases being present. For rectal cancer, depending on the depth of the tumor and the close proximity to the anus, the decision will be made in terms of giving chemotherapy or radiotherapy before the surgery.
?Here at Dar Al Shifa Hospital we understand that a fundamental comfort factor during a time like this is being sure that treatment is being conducted by the best talent available; and so it is our first priority.? There are a number of advanced methods used in surgical intervention, such as the conducting endoscopy and removal of the tumor through the rectum ? a procedure which is unique to Dar Al Shifa Hospital. Patients usually return to practicing their normal routines within a few days post-operation.
Life after surgery
Post treatment, most people lead normal lives. The rate at which recovery happens depends on a number of factors, mainly starting with the level of advancement in surgery, as well as the patient?s adopted lifestyle after surgery. Patients are advised to do a blood test every three months for 2 years and go for a check-up every 6 months after their surgeries.
?It is important to conquer the fear that comes with these situations, which is achieved by a acquiring knowledge on the matter? continued Dr. Al Haddad. ?At Dar Al Shifa Hospital the doctors are very diligent at helping our patients by explaining the process and what comes with it, ensuring that they feel safe to ask whatever questions they might have.?
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