What Does This Histopathology Report Indicate?

Posted on Wed, 23 Nov 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 23 Nov 2016 Answered on

Wed, 14 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : My Father has been diagnosed as Colo Rectal Cancer. We have undergone Oral Chemo and radiation for 6 weeks. Post 6 weeks of break, doctor asked us to go for MRI - Abdomen. Based on that we see tumor has reduced by 50 -60% and he undergone a surgery to remove the tumor on Oct 14th. Based on histopathology report, doctor has recommended for 6 cycles of chemo. Request you to review histopathology report and suggest your opinion. Does it worth to go further or leave as tumor has been removed.

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (47 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
yes usually chemo is given

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.

Usually in rectal cancer operated after radiation with oral chemo, further chemo (intravenous plus oral) is given. This is to take care of remaining microscopic cells, if any and prevent relapses.

In this case, as there is quite some residual tumor, including a separate tumor deposit within the fat, further chemo should definitely be considered. Provided he is fit enough to take it.

If he can't tolerate the intravenous part then only oral chemo is also feasible.

Hope this helps.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad