CAN YOU BEAT CANCER TWICE. THE FIRST BLOW — THE DIAGNOSIS OF «CANCER» THE SECOND – AN UNEXPECTED FIND NEOPLAZM

Sergey’s story began with shocking news — a diagnosis of colon cancer. This was only the beginning of his long and difficult journey: the real threat turned out to be even closer than he could have imagined. During a gastroscopy, doctors made an unexpected discovery: in the area of the major duodenal papilla — a part of the duodenum — another growth was found.

«Histological examination revealed a tubulovillous adenoma. This is a benign tumor, but it already has abnormal cellular changes that may become malignant over time», – says Pavel Sokolov, P. Hertsen Moscow Oncology Research Institute (MORI) – branch of the National Medical Research Radiological Centre (NMRRC) of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. «Such a precancerous condition requires special vigilance and attention. The large size of the growth did not allow for its removal endoscopically. If it becomes malignant, the patient may require the removal of an entire complex of gastrointestinal organs at once: part of the pancreas, part of the stomach, the duodenum, and the gallbladder. This is an extremely complex and traumatic procedure with a long rehabilitation period».

In the first stage of treatment, specialists began combating the neoplasm in the colon by removing the affected section of the intestine along with the regional lymph nodes. The surgery was performed using video endoscopic technologies, which ensured a faster recovery for the patient. Subsequently, Sergey underwent a course of medical rehabilitation that included therapeutic exercises, sessions with a psychologist, and a set of physiotherapeutic procedures. All of this was necessary for complete recovery and preparation for the upcoming complex surgery.

«The neoplasm in the duodenum reached 4 cm», – says Vladislav Zhukov, an oncologist in the Abdominal Department of P. Hertsen Moscow Oncology Research Institute (MORI). «During its removal, it was extremely important not to damage critically important structures, particularly the head of the pancreas. Surgeries in this area belong to the highest category of complexity due to anatomical features, intense blood supply to the organs, their functional significance, and the high risk of complications». «The patient underwent a unique operation preserving the entire pancreas, stomach, and part of the duodenum, with separate stitching of the bile duct and pancreatic duct into the relocated small intestine», – explains Pavel Sokolov. Currently, Sergey feels well and is preparing to return home.