Hello, Wendy willows, and thank you for posting.

I am sorry to learn of your husband's situation, this must be a difficult time.

The type of surgery that is offered will depend on the situation. The doctors look at several things when planning treatment, such as the size of the tumour, how far it has spread and how well a person is generally, and whether or not they have other health conditions. Sometimes, it may involve the removal of the cancer along with a clear area (margin) to make sure all the cancer has been removed, or another type of surgery may be offered in some situations, with removal of the anus, rectum and part of the large bowel.

Not being involved in your husband's situation, we cannot say why your husband has been given both options. A lot may also depend on what the second examination finds. I wondered if your husband has a nurse specialist (CNS) who knows his situation, who he can discuss this with to help clarify his situation.

I hope you can get some answers soon. If you have any further questions please feel free to get back to us, or if you would like to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline, we available between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday and the freephone number to call is 0808 800 4040.

Take care,

Jemma

Hello, Wendy willows, and thank you for posting.

I am sorry to learn of your husband's situation, this must be a difficult time.

The type of surgery that is offered will depend on the situation. The doctors look at several things when planning treatment, such as the size of the tumour, how far it has spread and how well a person is generally, and whether or not they have other health conditions. Sometimes, it may involve the removal of the cancer along with a clear area (margin) to make sure all the cancer has been removed, or another type of surgery may be offered in some situations, with removal of the anus, rectum and part of the large bowel.

Not being involved in your husband's situation, we cannot say why your husband has been given both options. A lot may also depend on what the second examination finds. I wondered if your husband has a nurse specialist (CNS) who knows his situation, who he can discuss this with to help clarify his situation.

I hope you can get some answers soon. If you have any further questions please feel free to get back to us, or if you would like to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline, we available between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday and the freephone number to call is 0808 800 4040.

Take care,

Jemma