You may wonder, “Is colon cancer curable?” There are different treatments for colon cancer, including chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. The surgery may not cure colon cancer, but it can significantly prolong a person’s life, particularly if it removes small areas of the tumor. Surgery may also be performed to repair other problems related to the cancer, such as a blockage in the colon. If the cancer has spread to the liver or other organs, surgery may be an option.
Treatment options for stage II adenocarcinoma of the colon are very similar to those for stage I adenocarcinoma. The treatment for stage II adenocarcinoma, which has spread to lymph nodes nearby, is highly effective. Patients who have stage IIA adenocarcinoma, which has grown into the outer layers of the colon, usually receive surgery to remove the affected portion.
After surgery, colorectal cancer recurs (relapse) in several locations. This recurrence can be local or distant. In the latter case, the disease has spread to other parts of the body. This is known as metastasis. Patients with stage IV-bowel cancer have a very low chance of cure. Fortunately, there are many treatments available to patients with advanced stages of the disease.
While chemotherapy is usually used for patients with stage III colon cancer, some people will receive chemotherapy after surgery. In addition to chemotherapy, radiation therapy is also used to treat colon cancer. This can prolong the patient’s life and improve their symptoms. The chemotherapy used to treat stage III colon cancer is also often called adjuvant chemotherapy. If the tumor is too advanced to be surgically removed, a permanent colostomy will be made.
Once the cancer has spread beyond the colon, it may be spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or the lymph nodes. If the cancer has spread to distant organs, it is likely to be incurable. Treatment options may include chemotherapy or clinical trials. It is also possible for the disease to spread to other parts of the body, which makes it even more difficult to treat. You should seek a second opinion to make sure you haven’t missed anything.
Most cases of colon cancer are curable if caught early. Getting regularly screened for colon cancer is a good idea if you’re over 45. Regular exercise, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, wheat bran, and other fiber-rich foods can help prevent colon cancer. You should also avoid smoking and excessive calories to reduce your risk. However, even if you’re not prone to colon cancer, getting screening is a good start.
Colon cancer screenings may be necessary if you’re concerned about a polyp that may become cancerous. If you’ve found a polyp, you can undergo surgery to remove it. If a tumor has spread to other organs, a surgical colon resection may be necessary. This procedure may be the only option if colon cancer has spread to other parts of your body. If you’ve had colon cancer in the past, however, there are ways to cure it.
