What are possible treatments for colon cancer?
- Polypectomy
- Endoscopic mucosal resection
- Laparoscopic surgery
- Partial colectomy
- Ostomy
- Lymph node removal
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted drug therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Palliative care
If you’ve been recently diagnosed with colon cancer, you may be wondering what the next step is. Doctors have several possible solutions for this condition, but which is most appropriate depends on your particular situation. This factors in the location of your cancer, its stage, as well as any other health concerns you may have. Colon cancer treatments include several types of therapy and surgery — read on to learn more.
Treatments for Early-Stage Colon Cancer
If your colon cancer is small and was detected early on, then our doctors at Perpetual Health Medical Center (PHMC) may suggest minimally invasive treatments, such as:
Polypectomy
A polypectomy is the removal of cancer polyps — small growths on the inner wall of the colon. This treatment can be used if the colon cancer is small, localized, and completely contained within a single or a few polyps, and found in a very early stage.
Endoscopic mucosal resection
Larger polyps need to be removed using a different technique, called an endoscopic mucosal resection. In this treatment, the polyps, as well as a small amount of the inner lining of the colon, are removed during colonoscopy using special tools.
Laparoscopic surgery
Polyps that can’t be removed during a colonoscopy can be removed using laparoscopic surgery. Using this treatment method, a surgeon makes several small incisions in your abdominal wall and inserts small cameras to provide a live feed of your colon on a video monitor. The surgeon will often take samples from lymph nodes in the area where the cancer is located for biopsy.
Treatments for More Advanced Colon Cancer
If the colon cancer has advanced or grown into your colon, our doctors at PHMC may recommend the following treatments:
Partial colectomy
In a partial colectomy, a surgeon will remove the tissue in your colon that contains cancer, as well as a small margin of normal tissue all around its sides. Afterward, the surgeon will reconnect the remaining normal tissue within your colon or rectum. This is sometimes done with a minimally invasive approach — laparoscopy.
Ostomy
When removing larger parts of your colon or rectum, it may be unable to function regularly while it heals. In this case, the doctor may recommend an ostomy. During an ostomy, surgeons will create an opening in the wall of your abdomen from a portion of your bowel. From this opening, a bag for the elimination of waste (stool) is fitted securely.
At times, an ostomy is only temporary, and surgeons will close the opening after allowing your colon and rectum time to heal. However, it may be permanent in some cases.
Lymph node removal
Lymph nodes located near the colon cancer or polyps are also normally removed in addition to these treatments. These nodes are then tested for cancer.
Treatments for Advanced Colon Cancer
If the colon cancer is very advanced, or your general health is poor, then doctors may recommend surgery to remove parts of your colon — which doesn’t necessarily cure your condition, but instead relieves signs and symptoms of cancer.
If cancer has spread to other organs, such as the liver or lungs, and your health is otherwise in good condition, then your doctor may recommend localized treatment to remove the cancerous masses. Certain treatments can be used before and/or after this procedure to improve recovery from cancer over the long term, such as:
Chemotherapy
This treatment uses injected drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy for colon cancer treatment is usually done after surgery is performed if the cancerous mass is large, or has spread to your lymph nodes. Doing so will help kill any remaining cancer cells and improve chances for cancer remission.
In some cases, this treatment is used before surgery to shrink large masses, so that doctors have an easier time removing them during the operation. Chemotherapy may also be used to relieve symptoms of cancer that can’t be treated with surgery.
For those with advanced (stage III), but low-risk colon cancer, a short course of chemotherapy after surgery is a possible treatment plan. This will reduce the side effects associated with longer courses of chemotherapy but can be just as effective.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses energy sources — usually X-rays and protons — to kill cancer cells. This treatment is used to reduce the mass of large cancer before an operation, so surgical removal can be done more easily.
Radiation therapy can be done combined with chemotherapy. It is also an option when surgery isn’t possible, as it can relieve common cancer symptoms like pain.
Targeted drug therapy
Targeted drug therapy focuses on abnormalities present within the cancerous mass or cells. These abnormalities can be blocked with certain drug treatments, and eventually, die off. This treatment is usually combined with chemotherapy and is usually only recommended for those with advanced colon cancer.
Immunotherapy
Another type of drug treatment, immunotherapy supports your immune system in fighting off cancer. Your body’s immune system may not attack cancer cells, as they produce proteins that essentially “blind” it from recognizing them as a danger to your body.
Immunotherapy interferes with that process, helping your immune system identify and attack cancer cells as it should. Doctors will typically test your cancer cells using a biopsy to see if it responds to this treatment before recommending it for you.
Palliative care
Palliative care is a specialized service to help those with serious illnesses like cancer. This is provided by a team of medical professionals that work with you, your loved ones, and your doctors to provide support in your ongoing cancer treatment and care.
Palliative care helps improve the quality of life for those with cancer and complements other curative, surgical, or drug treatments you may receive to deal with your colon cancer. Having this service on top of a treatment plan can help you feel better in the long run, and even improve your chances of longevity.
Key Takeaway
A cancer diagnosis can be challenging — on top of dealing with many painful symptoms, there are several colon cancer treatments to learn and discuss with your doctor.
Treatment and recommendation depend on several factors, including your preferences and overall health. Take the time to learn about all your options and their side effects by contacting the expert doctors at Perpetual Health Medical Center (PHMC). We offer comprehensive cancer care, and our doctors can go over the goals of each treatment plan with you — just schedule a consultation through our website.
Perpetual Help Medical Center-Las Pinas is the only hospital in the South of Metro Manila that has an Ostomy Care Clinic, we are committed to give the best care possible to patients who have been diagnosed with Colon or Colorectal Cancer. We will be there to support our patient throughout his cancer journey.