4 Treatment Options After Being Diagnosed With Colon Cancer

Understanding your treatment options after a colon cancer diagnosis can help you make informed decisions about your care. Depending on the stage and location of the cancer, treatment may involve a combination of surgery. Colon cancer surgery is a key component, aiming to remove cancerous tissue and prevent the disease from spreading. Here are four common treatment options to contemplate after being diagnosed with colon cancer:

1. Colon Cancer Surgery

Colon cancer surgery remains the common and effective treatment for removing cancerous tumors from the colon. Surgeons remove the affected section of the colon along with nearby lymph nodes to prevent cancer spread. The healthy portions of the colon are then reconnected to restore normal bowel function.

The type of colon cancer procedure you receive depends on tumor size and location. Early-stage cancers may only require the removal of small tissue sections through minimally invasive techniques. Advanced cases need extensive surgery to remove larger portions of the colon. Many colon cancer specialists now use robotic surgical systems that allow greater precision and smaller incisions. These advanced techniques often lead to faster recovery times and fewer complications compared to traditional open surgery.

2. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses medications to destroy cancer cells in your body. Doctors often recommend chemotherapy after colon cancer surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells that surgery couldn’t remove. This approach reduces the risk of cancer returning in other parts of your body. Chemotherapy medications work by targeting rapidly dividing cells, which include cancer cells. Common side effects include fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and increased infection risk. Your oncology team monitors these effects closely and adjusts treatment as needed. Your medical team can also prescribe medications to help manage uncomfortable symptoms during treatment.

3. Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells in specific areas of your body. While radiation therapy is commonly used for rectal cancer, it can also help treat colon cancer in certain situations. Doctors may recommend radiation before surgery to shrink large tumors or after surgery if cancer cells remain in the colon area.

The treatment involves lying still on a table while a machine directs radiation beams at the cancer site. The radiation damages cancer cell DNA, preventing these cells from growing and dividing. Side effects from radiation therapy usually affect the treatment area. You may experience skin irritation, fatigue, or digestive changes during treatment. Your radiation oncologist will monitor your progress and adjust treatment settings to minimize side effects while maximizing cancer cell destruction.

4. Targeted and Immunotherapy Treatments

Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are newer treatment approaches that work differently than traditional chemotherapy. Drugs used in targeted therapy attack specific abnormalities within cancer cells, causing less harm to normal cells. These medications block signals that tell cancer cells to grow and divide or cut off the blood supply to tumors.

Immunotherapy helps your immune system recognize and effectively fight cancer cells. Cancer cells often hide from your immune system by producing proteins that prevent immune cells from attacking them. Immunotherapy drugs block these protective proteins, allowing your immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells. Doctors recommend immunotherapy for advanced colon cancers or cancers with specific genetic markers.

Both treatment types usually cause fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy. They work best for specific cancer types with certain genetic characteristics. Your colon cancer specialist will test your tumor tissue to determine if these treatments will benefit you.

Schedule Your Colon Cancer Surgery Consultation

Understanding your treatment options empowers you to take an active role in your cancer care. Each treatment approach serves a specific purpose in fighting colon cancer and preventing its return. Your healthcare team will recommend a combination of treatments based on your cancer stage, overall health, and personal preferences. Contact a qualified colon cancer specialist near you to schedule your consultation today.

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