Rela Hospital Treats 83-Year-Old Man with Rare Combination of Rectal and Breast Cancers

Chennai, June 13, 2024: A multidisciplinary team of experts at Rela Hospital has successfully treated an 83-year-old man diagnosed with a rare combination of rectal and breast cancers by employing comprehensive interventions including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. While developing two different types of cancer simultaneously is uncommon, the occurrence of breast cancer in a male is the rarest. These factors, combined with the patient’s age and cardiac concerns, made the treatment quite challenging.

The patient was admitted in the hospital for finding a permanent cure for anal fistula, a condition that refers to the formation of an abnormal passage between anal canal and the skin outside the anus. He had undergone multiple treatments for this condition at various hospitals for years without success. By that time, his anal fistula turned into cancer of rectum, which is the end of the large intestine where poop is collected just before it is ready to come out. The breast cancer was diagnosed incidentally, while he was getting the treatment for his rectal cancer.

An expert and multidisciplinary team, including a surgical oncologist, pathologist, and a radiologist, treated the patient, who despite his advanced age, demonstrated an indomitable zeal for life and fully responded to the long, demanding treatment regimen. 

In his comments, Dr. Jagadesh Chandra Bose, Senior Consultant, Surgical Oncologist, Rela Hospital, who headed the medical team, said that the patient came to the hospital for the treatment of anal fistula. He had previously undergone multiple treatments for this condition but there was no cure. However, the anal fistula had already turned into cancer in the rectum. While we were treating it with chemotherapy, we incidentally discovered that he also had breast cancer – which is rare in men, making up less than 1% of all cases of breast cancer. The combination of two different types of cancer is rare, especially in early diagnosis. 

Talking about the treatment plan, he said that it involved chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical interventions. “We could achieve a complete removal of his rectal cancer and cure his breast cancer. Following his rectal surgery, we created a permanent stoma, a small opening in the abdomen for the removal of body waste into a collection bag.” 

Six months post-treatment, the patient remains disease-free and is enjoying a normal, peaceful life surrounded by friends and family. “We are immensely proud of the collaborative effort displayed by our team of experts in ensuring the successful treatment of this rare and challenging case. The patient’s courage and trust in our abilities, combined with our commitment to delivering exceptional care, resulted in a positive outcome that exemplifies the spirit of resilience in healthcare,” Dr. Bose said.

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