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Colon cancer is a highly fatal disease, particularly when it is diagnosed late. However, the advancement of medicine leads to the development of colon cancer treatment that has increased the survival rate among individuals suffering from the said terminal illness. In fact, several cases of colon cancer at the earliest stage that were diagnosed and treated promptly had been reported to achieve complete 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.

In the early stages of colorectal cancer (phase 0 and phase 1), surgical treatment is preferred. This is while that cancer is localized to only a small part of the colon. Surgery, namely Polypectmy procedure as well as partial Colectomy. The surgical removal of a polyp is called colon polypectomy. Surgery can even be done during colonoscopy if the polyp is small. Likewise, a partial Colectomy is the removal of the affected part of the colon and nearby lymph nodes. these two procedures typically require no additional treatment such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. As long as the malignant tissue is completely removed, the colon surgery can successfully eradicate the cancer and lead to a excellent outcome for that patent.

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. Perforation, or the presence of a hole or holes in the wall of the colon;

2. high grade malignancy;

3. No more than 12 lymph nodes removed surgically;

4. Malignant cells with micro satellite instability (MSI), removed from the border of the sample.

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.

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.

The info provided through this item is NOT a replacement intended for licensed care and shouldn't be used for diagnosing or treating a medical issue or condition. You should talk to your health provider any time you have or suspect you could have a health issue.