Colorectal Cancer Center (Visceral Oncology Center)

Introduction

Every year, around 73,000 people nationwide develop colorectal cancer, one of the most widespread tumor diseases – affecting men and women equally. The chances of healing and survival increase the earlier the disease is detected and treated. Nevertheless, colorectal cancer is highly treatable today even if the disease is only diagnosed at an advanced stage.

In the Colorectal Cancer Center of the Evang. Kliniken Essen-Mitte, the specialized departments of the Huyssens-Stiftung cooperate with external institutions involved in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of colorectal cancer. The Colorectal Cancer Center meets the strict criteria of the German Cancer Society (DKG). Evaluations included the quality of treatment, the exchange between medical colleagues within the hospital, with resident physicians and external cooperation partners, as well as the interdisciplinary tumor boards, inpatient care, and the therapeutic and nursing services at the Evang. Kliniken Essen-Mitte. All of this is reflected in the OnkoZert seal of quality “Certified Colorectal Cancer Center.”

KEM possesses a unique combination of highly specialized departments which, through their close networking, meet the special needs of people suffering from colorectal cancer.

Prevention and Symptoms

Colorectal cancer only causes symptoms at a late stage and usually begins insidiously. Warning signals that make a doctor’s visit necessary in any case include blood in the stool as well as cramp-like abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits. Colorectal cancer can also lead to unnoticed so-called occult bleeding, which can lead to general weakness via anemia. Further signs of colorectal cancer can be weight loss and a decline in physical strength.

Standard examinations performed by the gastroenterologist include a general physical examination and a digital rectal examination. In the so-called Hemoccult test, a stool sample is examined for blood. If hidden blood is present, this can also indicate hemorrhoids or inflammatory bowel disease. The most important and reliable method for detecting colorectal cancer is a colonoscopy, as this is the only way to perform a precise examination of the large intestine.

The results obtained during screening or early detection examinations form the basis of a reliable diagnosis. This involves imaging procedures and the examination of tissue samples.

Treatment

Surgical intervention is the most reliable way to permanently overcome colorectal cancer. For approximately three-quarters of all patients, surgery follows directly after diagnosis, supported by modern anesthesia and pain therapy. A particular advantage for patients: the surgeons at the Colorectal Cancer Center Kliniken Essen-Mitte rely on minimally invasive surgical methods. This procedure, also known as keyhole surgery, is used for 70-80% of patients. No large abdominal incision, fast healing, and less pain are just a few of the many advantages. In the further course of treatment, additional measures then come into play. For example, surgery is combined – if necessary – with chemotherapy or chemo-radiation therapy in the case of rectal cancer.

In recent years, however, treatment options have become so diverse that the optimal therapy for the individual patient is determined within the framework of an interdisciplinary expert conference, the so-called tumor board. The experts meet weekly in these special tumor boards and discuss each case individually.

About half of all those affected by colorectal cancer suffer metastases either at the time of diagnosis or during the course of the disease, primarily in the liver and lungs. In such cases, chemotherapy is necessary. In recent years, new effective substances have been steadily developed, which are selected individually for each patient by the experts at the Colorectal Cancer Center Kliniken Essen-Mitte. This allows the tumor disease to be controlled over a long period in most cases; for metastases in the liver and/or lungs, cures are even possible through the interplay of chemotherapy and surgery despite the spread of the tumor disease.

Follow-up Care

Colorectal cancer patients receive comprehensive therapy, meaning all aspects that promote recovery or improve the overall situation are considered holistically within the network. After completion of the therapy, patients are supported in their rehabilitation, for example, and accompanied in the event of any post-operative problems – be it dealing with a stoma, psychological and social problems, or returning to work. Within follow-up care, secondary diseases can also be detected and treated early.

Below you will find all the partners involved in treatment at our center:

Contact Persons

Center Director: Dr. med. Christian Müller
Deputy Director: Prof. Dr. med. Pier Francesco Alesina
Medical Coordinator: Dr. med. Sarah Ann-Katrin Busch
Deputy Medical Coordinator: PD Dr. med. Peter Hoffmann

Tumor conference

The tumor board of the Visceral Oncology Center takes place weekly.

Wednesday 3:00 – 4:00 PM
MVZ Academy, Evang. Huyssens Foundation Essen-Huttrop
Contact: onkologie@kem-med.com