Articles Directory | Free Articles | Link Directory | Intestinal Cancer Management

Colorectal cancer diagnosed late is a particularly deadly disease. But that said, the progress of the medical advancement has lead to improved colon cancer treatment resulting in increased survival rate. In fact, some cases of colorectal cancer in the early stage diagnosis and treatment of diseases results in complete remission and elimination of cancer from the individual.

The course of therapy varies in different patients regarding the treatment of colon cancer. There are a number of factors that are considered including the state of health of patients and the location and the size of the tumor as well as the severity of colon cancer that are considered by Oncologists (doctors specialized in cancer diagnosis and treatment) in choosing a therapy. The three primary colon cancer treatments include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. As the case may be, a combination of these treatments may be employed for the patient.

For early stages of colon cancer (Stage 0 & Stage I), surgery is the treatment of choice. These are the stages wherein cancer is confined locally and has affected a small portion of the colon only. The procedure may range from polypectmy to partial colectomy. Polypectomy is the surgical removal of a polyp in the colon and it is even possibly done during colonoscopy as long as the tumor (polyp) is small enough. On the other hand, partial colectomy is the resection of the affected portion of the colon and adjacent lymph nodes. The two procedures discussed do not require any other additional treatment like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The surgery alone can successfully eradicate the disease with a good prognosis as long as the malignant tissues were completely removed.

Chemotherapy, surgery and adjuvant treatment are generally recommended for stage II Colon Cancer. It is during this phase, that the cancer has invaded the wall of the colon and even nearby tissues, but has not metastasized. At this stage, the tumor is removed with surgery along with tissue in the vicinity and the nearby lymph nodes. Chemotherapy and radio therapy are, however, optional, depending on some conditions that led to the presence of cancer such as:

1. hole or perforation into wall of the colon;

2. The presence of a high degree of malignancy;

3. No more than 12 lymph nodes removed surgically;

4. In the case of malignant cells that were removed from the colon show activity micro satellite instability (MSI);

5. nearby organs were invaded by cancer; and

6. The obstruction of the large intestine.

Colon cancer phase III is where cancer invades the tissues and lymph nodes adjacent to the colon, but cannot be found in other areas of the body. This phase is partially non-adjuvant colonectomy and chemotherapy, as well as, where appropriate, the recommended standard treatment requires radiotherapy. However, surgical treatment may only be indicated for patients whose general State of health will be able to sustain the surgery. Otherwise, the treatment chemotherapy and cell therapy radiation are the most likely choices of treatment.

For the late stage of cancer (stage IV), surgery is often the least option and chemotherapy as well as radiation therapy are generally the best choices. The malignancy in this stage often spread throughout other organs of the body distal to the colon and lymph nodes. Mostly, the organs that are subjected to metastasis are the lungs, liver, ovaries and peritoneum. In chemotherapy, medications are administered intravenously (IV) or others are given per orem (mouth) as pills. These drugs are meant to destroy the cancer cells. In instances that the metastases in other organs are not that severe, these malignant cells can also be removed through surgery together with the cancerous colon tissues. But if large enough, chemotherapeutic drugs are initially administered to reduce the size of the tumor prior to surgical removal. On the other hand, ionizing radiation is used for radiation therapy and this can also be done to shrink the tumor. But often times, it is given to patients to alleviate cancer symptoms, particularly pain but not definitely cure the cancer. It is sad to say but this stage of cancer has very poor prognosis.

In general, there are several options for the treatment of colorectal cancer. The best treatment for such a disease is in the earliest phase. Individual risk for colorectal cancer, treatment of cancer, is because all and it is absolutely possible that for a good prognosis what is required is early detection using specific diagnostic studies.

The info provided in this commentary is absolutely not a replacement for certified care and shouldn't be used for testing or providing treatment for a medical problem or condition. It's best to consult your health care provider if you have or suspect you might have a medical problem.