TColon tumors are the most common malignant cancer. At least if you look at both sexes together. Today, more and more growths are being detected early as a growing number of citizens take up the offer of a colonoscopy. Preventive examinations aim to prevent the development of cancer in the colon by removing benign precursors, the polyps. The most important element in the treatment of tumors of the colon is still surgery. However, this often has unpleasant consequences, especially in the case of tumors in the rectum, i.e. the section of the large intestine in front of the anus.
The operation is difficult because there are organs in the immediate vicinity of the pelvis that need to be protected: the urinary bladder and sexual organs as well as numerous nerve plexuses. As a result, tissue cannot be removed as generously in the rectum as compared to the higher parts of the colon. However, through the combined use of several treatment methods, it has been possible to reduce the risk of relapse. Today, patients are almost always treated with radiation and chemotherapy before surgery.
