A general sense of how long a person with colon cancer will live will help patients decide what to expect from their treatment. There is no specific cure for colon cancer, but certain treatments can be more effective than others. Clinical trials can help bridge the gap between current treatments and future ones. This article will cover the basics and help patients choose the best treatment. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with colon cancer, learn as much as you can about the disease.
Treatment for colon cancer depends on where the tumor is located in the colon and how far it has spread. Surgery may be used to remove part of the colon or sites where the cancer has spread. Systemic chemotherapy, which uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body, may also be prescribed. It can be given before surgery, after surgery, or instead of surgery. Depending on the stage of the cancer, chemotherapy can help shrink the tumor. However, radiation therapy alone will not cure colon cancer.
The TNM Classification of Malignant Tumors helps determine whether a person has colon cancer. The TNM Classification of Malignant Tumors uses three criteria to classify tumors: depth of invasion, number of regional lymph nodes affected, and metastasis. Each letter in the TNM classification is assigned a number between 0 and five to describe the extent of involvement. Those with stage 3 colon cancer will experience bleeding, bowel changes, and unusual tiredness.
Most people with colon cancer will not experience any symptoms of the disease until it has spread to other parts of the body. In the case of stage one, however, the symptoms of colon cancer will vary depending on the size and location of the tumor. Patients with stage two may experience pain during bowel movements, abdominal cramping, and changes in bowel habits. If the symptoms are present, a biopsy will be done to diagnose the disease. This test can detect any tumors that are present.
In advanced stages of the disease, surgeons may recommend surgery. A polypectomy (the removal of polyps) is a noninvasive surgery that can be done with a colonoscope. A partial colectomy (also known as segmental resection) is often used. For most people with colon cancer, however, total colectomy is not necessary. In addition, post-operative pain may be managed with pharmaceuticals, including opioids.
In stage four, the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Treatment for stage four colon cancer depends on the extent of the cancer. While surgery is unlikely to cure the disease, it can remove the cancerous cells from the colon, increasing the patient’s quality of life. A proper diagnosis is essential, however, and a physician will take care of you as a patient. And remember that earlier detection is better than late-stage colon cancer.
The American Cancer Society recommends a screening for colon cancer at the age of 50. People at a higher risk should begin screening earlier. Having a family history of colon cancer increases the risk of developing it later in life. Therefore, screening for colorectal cancer is an essential part of regular health. It is recommended for all adults over 45. A physician can help determine the appropriate schedule for screening. However, an individual with a family history of colon cancer should start screening earlier.
