Colon Cancer and Treatment Options:
Colon
cancer is a very fatal disease, in particular, if diagnosed too late. However, treatment
success for those who suffer from disease has increased, as has the survival
rate. This is due to early prevention along with the development of new
therapies for colon cancer. In fact, many early diagnosed colon cancer
patients, if treated promptly, are reported to achieve a full recovery from the
disease.
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 colostomy. 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 colostomy 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.
Regarding
Phase II colon cancer treatments, surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy is
recommended by doctors in most cases. At this stage, where cancer has
penetrated the wall of the colon and affected adjacent tissue but has not yet
infected the lymph nodes, or spread (metastases). At this point, an operation
is generally required to remove the tumor tissues and lymph nodes. Chemotherapy
can also be performed, according to the presence of certain circumstances
caused by cancer such as:
1.
Perforation, or the presence of a hole or holes in the 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.
Adjacent organs also infected by cancer.
6.
The obstruction of the large intestine.
For
stage III colon cancer, the malignancy typically involves the colon, nearby
tissues and lymph nodes but not the distant parts of the body. The standard treatment
recommended for this stage is partial colostomy and adjuvant chemotherapy as
well as possible radiation therapy as the case requires. However, the surgical treatment
can only be indicated for patients whose general health status can still
tolerate the procedure. Otherwise, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are more
likely the treatment of choice.
In
the stage of colon cancer known as phase IV, operation is typically is the
least favored option. Usually the best option in radiation therapy and
chemotherapy. At this point, the malignancy is generally spread from the colon
and lymphatic nodes and has distributed itself among other organs of the body.
For cancer can often be detected in the lungs, liver, organs of the organs and
peritoneum and the ovaries. Chemotherapy administered intravenous drugs or by
mouth. These drugs are intended to destroy cancer cells. Metastases of other
organs, malignant cells, not colon cancer tissue if heavy together with the
operation. But if sufficiently large, chemotherapy drugs to reduce the size of
the tumor prior to surgery. On the other hand, ionizing radiation and radiation
therapy also be taken to reduce this tumor. But most often the procedures are
performed in the interest of the comfort of the patent and does alleviate some
of the symptoms of cancer, but certainly. Unfortunately, there is a very poor
prognosis at this stage of cancer.
Overall,
there are several options for colon cancer treatment. However, the best time to
undergo such any of the treatment is during the earlier stage of the disease.
It is significant that any individual risk for colon cancer undergoes certain
diagnostic exams regularly for early detection because definitely cancer has a treatment
and a good prognosis is possible.