What are the complications of colon cancer therapies?
The most common complication of colorectal cancer is sudden (acute) intestinal obstruction (ileus), which is caused by a severe narrowing of the bowel by the tumor. Therapeutically, the intestinal passage must be quickly restored surgically. A further complication is that the tumor breaks through the intestinal wall (perforation).
As a result, bacteria can escape into the abdominal cavity, which in turn leads to a life-threatening inflammation of the peritonitis. This complication also requires an urgent surgical procedure. Less frequent complications are caused by the tumor growing into neighboring organs. In some cases, this results in tubular passages between two hollow organs, the so-called fistulas, e.g. into the bladder or uterus.
Side effects of a therapy for colorectal cancer
Depending on the type of therapy, different side effects can occur in the treatment of colorectal cancer. For example, surgery can result in major losses of bowel segments with subsequent digestive problems or the creation of an artificial bowel outlet. During treatment with chemotherapy, patients often complain of nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and hair loss, as well as increased susceptibility to infection due to the drop in white blood cells (leukocytes), anaemia (lack of red blood cells) and an increased tendency to bleed (lack of platelets). However, the side effects do not occur in every patient or with the same severity and can vary greatly.
How long does a therapy for colorectal cancer take?
Depending on the type of cancer, the stage of the cancer, the condition and age of the patient, as well as the type of therapy, the duration of treatment can vary. Usually, the cancer is first removed surgically. Depending on the stage of the cancer, chemotherapy may then follow after the removal of the tumor.
This can vary greatly in duration depending on the number of cycles. In the case of cancer of the rectum (rectal carcinoma), radiation therapy or a combination of radiation and chemotherapy may be necessary in addition to surgery. The exact duration of these treatments is determined individually and cannot be generalized.
