Colon Cancer Health Center

The choice of treatment depends mainly on the location of the tumor in the colon or rectum and the stage of the disease. Treatment for colorectal cancer usually involves surgery. Surgery is the most common treatment for colorectal cancer. Here are the most common types of surgery used:

  • Colonoscopy. A small malignant polyp may be removed from your colon or upper rectum with a colonoscope.
  • Laparoscopy. Early colon cancer may be removed with the aid of a thin, lighted tube (laparoscope).
  • Open surgery. The surgeon makes a large cut into your abdomen to remove the tumor and part of the healthy colon or rectum.

Stomas

When a section of your colon or rectum is removed, the surgeon can usually reconnect the healthy parts. However, sometimes reconnection is not possible. In this case, the surgeon creates a new path for waste to leave your body. The surgeon makes an opening (stoma) in the wall of the abdomen, connects the upper end of the intestine to the stoma and closes the other end.

The operation to create the stoma is called a colostomy. A flat bag fits over the stoma to collect waste, and a special adhesive holds it in place. For most people, the stoma is temporary.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells. The drugs enter the bloodstream and can affect cancer cells all over the body.



These drugs are usually given through a vein (intravenously) but some may be given by mouth. You may be treated in an outpatient part of the hospital, at the doctor's office or at home. A hospital stay is needed only rarely.


Review Date: 
March 22, 2012
Last Updated:
June 30, 2013
Source:
dailyrx.com