Stage I Rectal Cancer
Stage I rectal cancer is treated by surgery possibly chemotherapy.
Stage I Rectal Cancer
Stage I rectal cancer is treated by surgery possibly chemotherapy.
Surgery
There are a variety of different surgeries used to treat stage I rectal cancer:
Surgery
There are a variety of different surgeries used to treat stage I rectal cancer:
Tumor Imaging
Endorectal ultrasound (a procedure where an ultrasound probe is inserted into the rectum), MRI scans, or CT scans are commonly used to make images of rectal tumors to assess the depth of tumor invasion and whether there are signs of lymph node invasion by the tumor. If the tumor has invaded through the rectal wall or has spread to lymph nodes it is not a Stage I tumor and its treatment is covered elsewhere.
Tumor Imaging
Endorectal ultrasound (a procedure where an ultrasound probe is inserted into the rectum), MRI scans, or CT scans are commonly used to make images of rectal tumors to assess the depth of tumor invasion and whether there are signs of lymph node invasion by the tumor. If the tumor has invaded through the rectal wall or has spread to lymph nodes it is not a Stage I tumor and its treatment is covered elsewhere.
Possible Chemotherapy
If the tumor has gone through the outer layer of the rectum (T3) or there are cancer cells in lymph nodes (N1 or N2), then preoperative chemotherapy and chemoradiation may be recommended to reduce the size of the tumor and increase the likelihood of avoiding a permanent colostomy.
In some cases, chemotherapy and/or chemoradiotherapy (if no radiation was administered before surgery) may be recommended after surgery as well. This is generally done when the tumor is felt to have progressed beyond Stage I based on examination and tumor imaging.
Possible Chemotherapy
If the tumor has gone through the outer layer of the rectum (T3) or there are cancer cells in lymph nodes (N1 or N2), then preoperative chemotherapy and chemoradiation may be recommended to reduce the size of the tumor and increase the likelihood of avoiding a permanent colostomy.
In some cases, chemotherapy and/or chemoradiotherapy (if no radiation was administered before surgery) may be recommended after surgery as well. This is generally done when the tumor is felt to have progressed beyond Stage I based on examination and tumor imaging.
Possible Watch and Wait
For some stage I rectal cancers, there may be the option to watch and wait after removal of the tumor via a polypectomy or after a surgical procedure where the tumor is removed through the anus when that is possible.
In all cases surveillance for local or distant tumor recurrence is critical so that any recurrence can be addressed quickly and examinations and/or imaging is often done every 3-6 months for several years.
Possible Watch and Wait
For some stage I rectal cancers, there may be the option to watch and wait after removal of the tumor via a polypectomy or after a surgical procedure where the tumor is removed through the anus when that is possible.
In all cases surveillance for local or distant tumor recurrence is critical so that any recurrence can be addressed quickly and examinations and/or imaging is often done every 3-6 months for several years.
Champion Stories
So many people look for information and hope when a diagnosis hits. Our Champion Stories Hub
showcases the resilience, strength, and heart of relentless champions of hope.
Renee Jonat
On October 5, 2020, I was diagnosed with stage I rectal cancer, and everything in my life changed. My two small children’s lives and my husband’s life changed at that moment as well. I was 36 with no family history of any cancer — let alone colorectal cancer.
I randomly contracted C. diff, which caused rectal bleeding, due to an antibiotic. The C. diff was treated, but the bleeding didn’t stop. I literally fought with my GI at the time to push for a colonoscopy. My doctor said it was, ‘probably irritation from C. diff and not to be worried.
Champion Stories
So many people look for information and hope when a diagnosis hits. Our Champion Stories Hub showcases the resilience, strength, and heart of relentless champions of hope.
Renee Jonat
On October 5, 2020, I was diagnosed with stage I rectal cancer, and everything in my life changed. My two small children’s lives and my husband’s life changed at that moment as well. I was 36 with no family history of any cancer — let alone colorectal cancer.
I randomly contracted C. diff, which caused rectal bleeding, due to an antibiotic. The C. diff was treated, but the bleeding didn’t stop. I literally fought with my GI at the time to push for a colonoscopy. My doctor said it was, ‘probably irritation from C. diff and not to be worried.
