Bowel cancer treatment in Germany

Oncologic pathologies of the intestine occupy leading positions in the world, which is why the treatment of intestinal cancer in Germany is well developed. For high efficiency of therapy, almost every German clinic has innovative equipment that allows detailed examination of the tumor and reveals the features of the pathological process. These nuances make it much easier to set a further therapy plan. 

This disease is characterized by the appearance of a malignant neoplasm in one of the areas of this organ. The risk group includes people over 50 years of age, hereditary predisposition and concomitant diseases of this organ.

In German clinics, specialists accept people even with the fourth degree of cancer and do everything possible to return them to a normal lifestyle without relapses and complications.

Symptoms

It is worth noting that each case is different. Two people with the same diagnosis can have completely different symptoms, as everything depends on the specific location of the tumor and its individual characteristics. Some of the first symptoms are called such signs:

• Constant headaches, painkillers do not always have a positive effect.
• Loss of efficiency, constant sleepiness, a person gets tired too quickly.
• Painful sensations in the joints, body aches and pains.
• Subfebrile body temperature.
• Weight loss, observed lack of craving for food.
• Pale skin.
• Sometimes stool disturbance may be of concern. In some cases there is constant constipation, sometimes on the contrary — diarrhea.

As the tumor grows, additional symptoms join in. Stage 3-4 cancer is characterized by these symptoms:

• The body temperature rises, it can reach 38-39 degrees.
• I am worried about constant gas formation, bloating.
• After emptying the intestines, blood or whitish mucus may be observed.
• Severe and prolonged constipation, which can be solved only by setting an enema.

According to statistics, it was found that such signs significantly increase a couple of hours after eating. Even the use of medications does not have a positive effect.

Stages of colon cancer

In total, four stages are distinguished, let’s consider each of them in more detail:

• The first stage of colon cancer is characterized by active growth. The existing neoplasm degenerates into malignant, there is an increase in the size of the tumor, which has not yet gone beyond the bowel. As a rule, metastases and obvious signs are absent. Detect the pathological process at this stage can be detected with the help of colonoscopy.
• In the second stage, the mass can reach up to 4 centimeters, the tumor is localized throughout the depth of the intestinal wall. The first symptoms related to digestion may be observed. Almost any diagnostic procedure will reveal a pathologic process. Metastases, in most cases, are absent at this stage.
• In the third stage, the tumor can reach up to 7 centimeters. It is actively enlarging and can spread metastasis outside the intestine. Symptoms become obvious. If you immediately start therapy, you can prevent recurrences and all sorts of complications.
• The most severe is the fourth degree, in which the neoplasm can grow up to 10 centimeters. Numerous metastases in various organs are observed. Signs of the disease significantly reduce the quality of life of the patient. It is required to start urgent therapy to save life.

Diagnosis of bowel cancer in Germany

When visiting one of the clinics in Munich, a full body diagnosis is carried out before starting therapy. To begin with, the specialist collects anamnesis, finds out in detail the disturbing symptoms, when the patient first learned about the diagnosis, whether any therapy has been performed. After talking with the doctor, it is necessary to undergo laboratory and instrumental diagnostics, which includes the following:

• General and dilated blood, urine, fecal analysis.
• Hemocult test, the essence of this method is to detect blood discharge.
• 3D endosonography.
• Finger rectal examination of the rectum.
• Magnetic resonance imaging.
• Sphincteromanometry.
• Colonoscopy. For the comfort of the patient, this manipulation is performed under anesthesia.
• Radiography with contrast agent.
• Rectoscopy and sigmoidoscopy are performed if necessary if the tumor is located along the rectum.
• Biopsy of the neoplasm.

Based on the above results, the doctor prescribes the appropriate therapy.

Methods of bowel cancer treatment in Germany

In order to fully overcome this difficult disease, a comprehensive treatment approach is required. German clinics have developed several methods for fighting cancer. The tactics of therapy are determined by the attending physician, the therapy used directly depends on the severity of the cancer, the exact localization, the presence of metastases and other features.

Surgical intervention to excise the existing malignant neoplasm is mandatory. To destroy cancer cells and prevent the growth of new ones, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, as well as other physical procedures aimed at maintaining the patient’s immunity are used. More details about each technique will be discussed below.

Surgical method

Surgery is necessary to remove the tumor in the organ, the affected nearby tissues and metastases. German clinics use minimally invasive surgical techniques for this purpose. Depending on the severity of the cancer as well as the specific localization, these techniques can be used:

• Hemicolectomy. Characterized by partial removal of the affected part of the intestine.
• Colectomy. The peculiarity of this method is the complete removal of absolutely all parts of the intestine with the subsequent restoration of the functioning of the organ.

Thanks to innovative equipment, it is possible to perform surgery even in the most inaccessible parts of the organ. Minimally invasive techniques imply minimal traumatism and quick recovery after surgery.

Chemotherapy

Comprehensive treatment includes chemotherapy to destroy existing malignant cells. It also prevents the growth of new cells. Medical clinics in Munich use modern medications. Which significantly reduce the risk of side effects.

Chemotherapy techniques used in German centers:

• Palliative. It is prescribed to patients with advanced irreversible cancer lesions to improve the quality of life.
• Adjuvant. It is carried out as a prophylaxis to destroy the remaining mutated cells.
• Neoadjuvant. The essence of this method is to reduce the size of the existing tumor. After chemotherapy, this method is followed by surgery to remove the tumor.

Radiation therapy

This treatment technique can be performed either before or after surgery. The aim of the technique is to reduce the size of the existing malignancy. In German medical centers, radiation therapy is performed exclusively by highly qualified radiologists.

Multimodal therapy

This technique is not used in all cases, but only when it comes to the neglected stage of the pathological process with numerous metastases. This therapy is aimed at significantly prolonging the life of the patient. It includes all kinds of manipulations: radiation, chemotherapy and surgery to remove the tumor. Multimodal therapy reduces the risk of tumor re-growth and other complications.

Cost of bowel cancer treatment in Germany

The price varies depending on the treatment methods used, the severity of the pathological process and the specific clinic. Examples of prices can be found below.

Name of service	Price, €	Optional
Diagnosis of colon cancer	5000–5500	5 days inpatient
Diagnosis with chemotherapy	3500–8150	3 days, outpatient
Colectomy	7000–9000	9 days inpatient
Hemicolectomy	19000–25000	10 days, inpatient

How to choose the right clinic?

Every patient who goes to a German clinic dreams of a positive result and a return to a familiar life. Therefore, the question of choosing a clinic is very important. As a rule, most people immediately start looking for information about specialists and treatment clinics on the Internet, not realizing that every review is bought and unreliable.

If you want to know about which clinic specializing in colon cancer treatment is the best and most sought-after — you can turn to us for help. Our team has the necessary information, as we have the opportunity to observe the activities of medical centers on a daily basis.

In addition to selecting a place for treatment and a specific specialist, we take care of all paperwork, we will help you apply for a visa, register a hotel room for you, and we also have a medical interpreter who will accompany you throughout your treatment.

Oncologists from all over the world give recommendations that state the need for preventive examination of the entire body. This will help to detect possible pathological processes at early stages of development, which will significantly reduce the likelihood of recurrence and accelerate the recovery process.

If you hear about a difficult diagnosis, you should not give up and get upset. Quickly make an appointment with a doctor and start therapy immediately!

Bowel cancer