Article Manza - The Articles Directory | Colon Cancer Therapy

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.

Colon cancer treatment plan is different from one patient to another. Oncologist's (experts in diagnosis and treatment of cancer) consider a number of factors when determining treatment for colorectal cancer, including the general state of health of the patient and the extent of the size of the site of tumor. As a result, there are numerous factors considered when selecting the choice of an appropriate treatment for an individual patient; Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are the primary three treatments used for colorectal cancer. Typically a combination of one or more of these treatments are used,

The first steps of colon cancer (stage I and stage II), surgery is the selected treatment of choice. These phases, where the cancer is confined to the local level and affects only a small part of the colon. The cancer can be eliminated through surgical polypectmy or partial colectomy. Polypectomy is the surgical removal of polyp in the colon, it can even can be performed at the time of the colonoscopy if the polyp is small. On the other hand, a partial colectomy results in colon and adjacent lymph nodes resection. The two procedures do not need to be followed by any other course of therapy, such as chemo and radiation therapy. Surgery alone may be a sufficient treatment if accompanied by successful eradication of the disease, where the malignant tissue was completely removed.

For stage II colon cancer treatment, surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy are usually suggested by most physicians. It is in this stage wherein the malignancy has penetrated the colonic wall and even invaded nearby tissues but has not yet metastasized (spread) to the lymph nodes. The surgery in this stage typically removes the tumor, nearby tissues and lymph nodes. However, chemotherapy is optional depending on the presence of some conditions that are caused by cancer such as:

1. hole or perforation into 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. Organs in the vicinity of removed area are also invaded 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 colectomy 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.

The info supplied through this article is NOT a substitute for professional care and shouldn't be used for screening or providing treatment for a medical issue or illness. It is best to talk to your medical provider in case you have or assume you could have a health problem.