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JCI Zertifiziert
DRK Kliniken Berlin als einzige deutsche Klinikgruppe JCI-zertifiziert.
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Diagnostics
The most reliable diagnosis is still ensured by colonoscopy. By applying this form of diagnosis, it is possible to take tissue samples of conspicuous areas which are then brought to histological analysis.
Should bowel cancer be detected, the abdomen will be scanned by ultrasound or a CT scan. The lungs will be x-rayed or a CT scan study of metastatic spread will be carried out.
Additionally, specific blood tests may be carried out, where so-called tumour markers are determined. The importance of these markers lies in course evaluation of the disease rather than in diagnostic determination.
According to the patient's general state of health, all of these special tests can be carried out within the bowel centre network, either in inpatient or outpatient treatment.
Therapy
There are three main pillars of treatment
- Surgery and excision of tumor
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
Tumour conferences are held in order to determine the scope and sequence of their application.
1. Surgery and excision of tumor
Re. colorectal cancer: Excision of that part of colon where tumor is located (right- or left-sided colon and/or transverse colon) and adjacent lymphatic tissue.
Re. rectal cancer: Excision of rectum (rectum resection) and adjacent lymphatic tissue.
This part of treatment is carried out in the clinic for surgery. Surgery strategies differ according to the nature of disease and localisation of tumor. It is possible to perform either minimally-invasive surgery (key-hole surgery) or transanal surgery. Each surgery is adjusted to the individual needs of the patient with regard to the diagnosis of the state of tumor.
Emphasis should be put on the possibilities of extended mutivisceral surgery in advanced disease, or in repeated tumor growth. This includes the surgical removal of metastases and the possibility of intraoperative radiofrequency ablation (killing of the metastases). All surgical procedures are carried out according to the latest recommendations and guidelines.
2. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is administered either in tablet form or as an infusion into a vein. If chemotherapy is administered into the vein, in some cases, a special chamber (port) has to be implanted just underneath the skin.
A further new approach in treatment is the applying of antibodies. They interfere with the cell metabolism and prevent, for example, the formation of blood vessels within tumors, or inhibit growth.
3. Radiation therapy
This therapy forms part of many therapy concepts for rectal cancer.
Only that part of the colon is exposed to radiation where tumor is located. Radiation therapy increases the effectiveness of sphincteroplastic surgery and thus helps to prevent new tumours from emerging.