The type of colon cancer treatment you choose depends on many factors. The type of cancer you have, the stage it has reached, and how much it has spread will all affect your treatment options. In early-stage colon cancer, surgery may be enough to remove the cancer and polyps. After surgery, a chemotherapy drug is usually used as an adjuvant treatment. This treatment is generally only effective for up to six months. For larger and more advanced cases, chemotherapy is often used in conjunction with surgery.
Some patients may also need surgery to remove polyps. In such cases, a doctor may choose to perform a laparoscopic procedure. Laparoscopic surgery involves making a small incision in the abdomen and inserting instruments with cameras. The surgeon may also take samples from lymph nodes. Partial colectomy involves the removal of a portion of the colon containing the cancer, along with a margin of healthy tissue on either side. A surgeon can then reconnect the healthy colon.
Stage 0 colon cancer is not invasive and is limited to polyps. In some cases, the cancer may be detected during a colonoscopy and removed through surgery. If it has not spread beyond the colon wall, polypectomy may be enough. In these cases, partial colectomy may be necessary. If the cancer is too large, partial colonectomy is often recommended. This is the most common treatment option for this type of cancer.
Patients with stage III colon cancer may receive surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Surgery is usually given first, followed by chemotherapy. If the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, chemotherapy can reduce the risk of recurrence of the disease. The chemotherapy can also relieve some of the symptoms of the cancer and can help to shrink large tumors before surgery. When combined with radiation therapy, chemotherapy can help patients live normal lives. It can be an extremely effective treatment option for colon cancer.
A CT scan can help determine if the cancer has spread or is in the early stages. This test uses a computer linked to an x-ray machine to obtain detailed pictures of the organs. A dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to help organs show up more clearly. These tests are commonly referred to as computed tomography or computerized tomography. In some cases, surgery is necessary to confirm the stage of the cancer.
Surgery is another option for advanced colon cancer. While surgery is effective in relieving symptoms, it does not cure the disease. However, it may cure cancer if it has spread to nearby organs. Surgery may also be used if chemotherapy is not working. The type of surgery depends on whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. If surgery is performed, cancer cells may remain in the affected organs after the procedure. The type of treatment you receive will depend on your specific situation and your individual needs.
Stage II of colon cancer has not spread to lymph nodes yet. However, it has grown through the colon wall. Depending on your tumor’s size and location, stage II colon cancer will spread to tissues near the colon. Stage IIC cancer may spread to one or more lymph nodes. Surgery is often recommended in Stage IIC but may be supplemented with radiation or chemotherapy afterwards. Your doctor may also recommend more frequent cancer screenings in the future.
