Colon Cancer Treatment

About the Procedure

A wide variety of different treatments exist for colon cancer and more than one may used in conjunction with one another to combat the cancer more effectively. The objectives of the treatment are as follows: to remove or kill all known cancerous tissue and prevent further cancerous tissue from forming. Though the exact combination of treatments varies greatly from case to case, it is typical to first undergo some form of surgery to remove the cancerous tissue; followed by a course of regular treatments over a long period to ensure no further cancerous formations.

The most basic form of surgery for eliminating a colorectal tumor is called a bowel resection. The surgeon gains access to the tumor through the abdomen of the patient. Rather than simply cut out the tumor, an entire length of the colon is removed to ensure all cancerous matter is removed as well. The two loose ends of the colon are then sutured together to allow them to heal. This form of treatment is effective in treating stage 1 and 2 colorectal cancers, as they have not yet metastasized.

At stage 3, the cancer has metastasized and begun to spread beyond the colon. It is very common for colon cancer to spread to the liver at this stage. In such cases, a liver resection can be performed, in which the cancerous section of the liver is excised completely. Assuming good health otherwise, up to half of the liver can be removed in this manner without critically compromising the organ's ability to do its job.

After one or both of these surgical procedures have been completed, the next step is a series of ongoing treatments to ensure no further cancer cells have an opportunity to replicate at the cancer site or anywhere else in the body. The most commonly known form of regular treatment is Chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy consists of introducing drugs into the patient's bloodstream so they can reach the entire body. Many different cancer fighting drugs are used in conjunction, and the ones are used are determined on a case by case basis. The drugs can be administered either orally or intravenously every few weeks, for up to an entire year starting shortly after or even before the surgery.

Radiation therapy can be effective in preventing further cancerous growth at the primary tumor site as well. In cases where the cancer has definitely not metastasized, radiation therapy may be preferable to Chemotherapy as it is totally painless, minimally invasive, and its side effects are generally shorter lived and less severe.

Radiation therapy works in one of two ways. A method called Brachytherapy exists in which radioactive material is inserted directly into the cancerous site. The material remains radioactive for several weeks, during which time it kills the cancerous cells. Alternatively one can pursue external radiation therapy. This involves using x-ray imaging to give the radiation therapist a precise idea of the cancer site, which is then targeted with focused beams of radiation. The body is usually marked externally with a tattoo to ensure the therapist is hitting the same spot during subsequent sessions. These sessions must typically be repeated several days a week for up to three months.

What to Know Before the Procedure

Cancer is an incredibly diverse and resilient disease and each case poses unique challenges to the patient and the oncologist. Each method of surgery and treatment has pros and cons and there is no one “right” combination of treatments. All forms of cancer treatment come with risks and side-effects, some of which can have long term implications on quality of life. In order to treat it effectively, it is vital to have candid conversations with your doctor about your medical history, other pre-existing conditions, your lifestyle, and your personal preferences to determine the best course of action.

What to Know After the Procedure

The suggested recovery practices and possible side-effects of cancer treatment vary wildly based upon the chosen course of treatment. Your doctor will give you detailed instructions about how to follow through with recovery and ongoing treatment based upon your particular case. Follow these directions and contact your doctor if any questions or complications arise.

If you Need to Travel Outside of your Local Hospital

Cancer treatment is a prolonged, multiple session affair that requires constant communication between the patient and the doctor. This must be considered when determining where to have treatment performed. Ideally, you will want to work with the same doctor and the same team throughout the process to ensure complete understanding and consistency from beginning to end. At the same time, you also want to work with the most highly qualified team available to you. These factors should be the most heavily weighted when deciding whether/where you should travel to have your cancer treated.