Rectum Cancer

Dr. Ismail Shafik’s Methods for Testing Rectal Cancer

Dr. Ismail Shafik’s approach to diagnosing Rectum Cancer is characterized by a comprehensive and multidisciplinary methodology that prioritizes early detection, patient education, and personalized care.

Tests for Rectal Cancer Spread

Complete blood count: Also known as CBC, this test reports the numbers of different types of cells in the blood. A CBC shows whether your red blood cell count is low, called anemia. Anemia suggests that the cancer is causing blood loss. A high level of white blood cells is a sign of infection. Infection is a risk if rectal cancer grows through the wall of the rectum.

Blood tests to measure organ function: A chemistry panel is a blood test to measure levels of different chemicals in the blood. Worrying levels of some of these chemicals may suggest that cancer has spread to the liver. High levels of other chemicals could mean problems with other organs, such as the kidneys.

Carcinoembryonic antigen: Cancers sometimes produce substances called tumor markers. These tumor markers can be detected in blood. One such marker is a carcinoembryonic antigen, also called CEA. CEA may be higher than usual in people with colorectal cancer. CEA testing can help monitor your response to treatment.

CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis: This imaging test helps determine whether rectal cancer has spread to other organs, such as the liver or lungs.

MRI of the pelvis: An MRI provides a detailed image of the muscles, organs, and other tissues surrounding cancer in the rectum. An MRI also shows the lymph nodes near the rectum and different layers of tissue in the rectal wall more clearly than a CT does.

Dr. Ismail Shafik’s Approach to Rectum Cancer Treatment

Dr. Ismail Shafik is recognized for his patient-centered and comprehensive approach to Rectum cancer treatment, focusing on early diagnosis, personalized care, and the use of the latest medical advancements

Treatment Option Overview

1- Surgery

2- Radiation therapy

3- Chemotherapy

4- Chemoradiation therapy

5- Targeted therapy

6- Immunotherapy

Surgery

• Polypectomy involves the excision of cancerous polyps during a colonoscopy procedure. Local excision refers to the surgical removal of cancerous tissue along with a small margin of healthy tissue when the tumor is located on the inner surface of the rectum and has not infiltrated the rectal wall. Resection entails the surgical removal of the cancerous segment of the rectum, along with adjacent healthy tissue and lymph nodes, particularly when the cancer has invaded the rectal wall. Radiofrequency ablation employs a probe to generate heat that effectively destroys cancer cells, which can be administered either through the skin or via an abdominal incision. Cryosurgery is a technique that involves freezing abnormal tissue to induce its destruction. In cases of advanced cancer where there is metastasis to surrounding organs, pelvic exenteration is performed, which involves the removal of the rectum, colon, and any affected organs such as the bladder, prostate, or cervix, along with the creation of stomas for waste elimination.

Radiation Therapy

• Radiation therapy employs high-energy X-rays or various forms of radiation to eliminate cancer cells or inhibit their proliferation. In the case of rectal cancer, treatment may involve external radiation therapy. This method utilizes a machine positioned outside the body to direct radiation toward the specific area affected by cancer.

Chemotherapy

• Chemotherapy, commonly called chemo, employs pharmaceutical agents to inhibit the proliferation of cancerous cells. This is achieved either through the destruction of the cells or by preventing their division.

Chemoradiation therapy

• Chemoradiation therapy combines chemotherapy and radiation therapy to increase the effects of both.

Targeted therapy

• Targeted therapy uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific cancer cells. Your doctor may suggest biomarker tests to help predict your response to certain targeted therapy drugs. Learn more about Biomarker Testing for Cancer Treatment.

Immunotherapy

• Immunotherapy helps a person’s immune system fight cancer. Your doctor may suggest biomarker tests to help predict your response to certain immunotherapy drugs.