Rectal Cancer Rectal Cancer Rectal Cancer

Best Services
What is Rectal Cancer?
Rectal cancer develops in the rectum, the final section of the large intestine, just before the anus. It begins when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. While often categorized with colon cancer as “colorectal cancer,” rectal cancer has distinct differences in treatment and prognosis due to its unique location. Symptoms may include changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, and discomfort. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment, which may involve surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Regular screenings, particularly for those at higher risk, play a significant role in preventing or catching rectal cancer at an early stage.

Risk factors: Rectal cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer affecting women worldwide, although men can develop it too. It occurs when the cells in the breast begin to grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor that can be felt as a lump or seen on an x-ray. While it can be life-threatening, early detection and advances in treatment have greatly improved survival rates, making awareness and education crucial.

Age (most common in people over 50)

The exact cause of breast cancer is not fully understood, but there are several known risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing it. Some of these risk factors include age, with the majority of cases occurring in women over 50, and family history, as those with close relatives who had breast cancer are at higher risk. Genetic mutations, particularly in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, also significantly raise the risk. Other factors like prolonged exposure to estrogen, obesity, alcohol consumption, and radiation exposure may contribute to the development of breast cancer.

Family history of colorectal cancer

Treatment for breast cancer varies depending on the stage and type of cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. Common treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. In many cases, a combination of these treatments is used to ensure the best possible outcome.

How Do People Get Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia?

Genetic Mutations: ALL often results from genetic mutations that occur in the DNA of white blood cells, specifically lymphocytes. These mutations cause cells to grow and divide uncontrollably, eventually crowding out healthy blood cells. While the mutations are typically random, they can be influenced by certain risk factors. 

Inherited Conditions: Certain genetic syndromes, like Down syndrome or Li-Fraumeni syndrome, are associated with a higher risk of ALL due to pre-existing DNA abnormalities.

Environmental Factors: While not directly proven, some studies suggest that exposure to high levels of radiation, specific chemicals (like benzene), and previous cancer treatments (chemotherapy or radiation) may increase the likelihood of developing ALL.

Age and Gender: ALL is more common in children, especially those aged 3-5 years, though adults can also develop the disease. Males are generally at a slightly higher risk than females.

Infections in Early Life: Although still under study, some research suggests that certain infections during infancy might contribute to a higher risk of ALL, possibly due to immune system activation.

How Can Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Be Treated?

ALL is a rapidly progressing disease, but with modern treatments, many patients achieve remission. Treatment plans are customized based on age, health, and disease stage.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is the cornerstone treatment for ALL. A combination of drugs is used to kill cancer cells throughout the body. This treatment usually occurs in multiple phases, including induction (to achieve remission), consolidation (to destroy any remaining cancer cells), and maintenance therapy (to prevent recurrence).

Targeted Therapy: For patients with specific genetic markers, targeted drugs can be used to attack leukemia cells directly while sparing healthy cells. Examples include tyrosine kinase inhibitors (like imatinib) for patients with the Philadelphia chromosome, a specific genetic mutation linked to ALL

Radiation Therapy: Radiation is less commonly used but may be applied in cases where ALL has spread to the brain or spinal cord.

Stem Cell Transplant: For high-risk cases or when standard treatments are less effective, a stem cell transplant may be considered. This procedure involves replacing the patient’s bone marrow with healthy stem cells from a donor, allowing the body to produce new, healthy blood cells.

Immunotherapy: CAR T-cell therapy is an emerging treatment that involves modifying a patient’s immune cells to recognize and destroy leukemia cells. It is highly promising, especially for relapsed cases.

Your Health, Our Priority: Welcome to Medanta Welcome to Medanta Welcome to Medanta