My friend (aged 43),(mother died of breast cancer aged 57), has been diagnosed with rectal cancer, (located15cm within her rectum), that has been within her body for 12/18 months, key hole surgery has been ruled out and she is waiting for a CT scan to find out if this has spread. It is seen to be an infected area as opposed to a tumerous mass, but it is a rather large area thats involved. Can you tell me if this in your opinion, can be surgically removed without leaving her with a stoma or if it can be cured with radiotherapy and chemotharapy?  RegardsAnita
A rectal tumor which is located 15\u00a0cm from anal verge in the rectum can be removed surgically with an anterior resection without the need of a permanent stoma. Other factors have to be considered prior to this surgery including