Colon Cancer Treatment

Colon cancer treatment varies based on the stage of cancer, overall health of the patient, and specific characteristics of the tumor. Here’s an overview of common treatment options for colon cancer/ Cancer treatment varies depending on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the individual’s overall health and preferences.

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, affects the colon (the large intestine) and is one of the most common types of cancer. It can develop from polyps in the colon lining, which may become cancerous over time.

Symptoms

Changes in Bowel Habits: Diarrhea, constipation, or changes in stool consistency.

Blood in Stool: Bright red or dark stools.

Abdominal Discomfort: Cramps, gas, or pain.

Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying.

Fatigue: Persistent tiredness.

Diagnosis

Screening Tests

Colonoscopy: A procedure to examine the colon and rectum and remove polyps.

Fecal Occult Blood Test: Checks for hidden blood in stool.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Examines the rectum and lower part of the colon.

Imaging Tests: CT scans or MRIs to assess the extent of the disease.

Biopsy: Taking a tissue sample during a colonoscopy for laboratory analysis.

Treatment Options

Some common cancer treatments include:

1. Surgery: Surgical removal of tumors or affected organs is a common treatment for many types of cancer.

• Polypectomy: Removal of polyps during a colonoscopy if they are found to be precancerous.
• Colectomy: Surgical removal of part (partial colectomy) or all (total colectomy) of the colon affected by cancer.
• Laparoscopic Surgery: Minimally invasive surgery that uses small incisions and cameras for guidance.
• Colostomy or Ileostomy: May be necessary if a portion of the colon is removed; it involves creating an opening in the abdomen to allow waste to exit.

2. Chemotherapy: The use of drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. Chemotherapy can be used alone or in combination with other treatments. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth. It is often administered after surgery (adjuvant therapy) to eliminate remaining cells or before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy) to shrink tumors

3. Radiation therapy: High-energy rays are used to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells.Radiation therapy may be used in conjunction with chemotherapy, especially in rectal cancers, either before surgery to shrink tumors or after surgery to eliminate remaining cells.

4. Immunotherapy: This treatment uses the body’s own immune system to help fight cancer. Immunotherapy helps boost the body’s immune response against cancer cells, particularly effective for certain types such as microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) tumors and mismatch repair deficiency.

5. Targeted therapy: Drugs that specifically target certain genes or proteins involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells.Targeted therapies focus on specific genetic mutations found in some colorectal cancers. For example:

• • Bevacizumab (Avastin): Inhibits blood vessel growth that tumors need.
  • Cetuximab (Erbitux): Targets epidermal growth factor receptors on cancer cells.

6. Hormone therapy: Used to treat cancers that are hormone-sensitive, such as breast and prostate cancers.

7. Stem cell transplant: A procedure that replaces damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells to help regrow healthy blood cells after high-dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

8. Precision medicine: Personalized treatment plans based on a person’s specific genetic makeup and the genetic profile of their tumor.

Cancer treatment plans are tailored considering:

• The stage and grade of colorectal cancer
• Molecular and genetic markers
• Overall health status

Supportive care is essential throughout treatment:

• Nutritional support
• Pain management strategies

• Mental health services

Regular follow-up care after primary treatments is crucial for monitoring any signs of recurrence and managing long-term side effects from treatments. Always consult with healthcare professionals who specialize in oncology for individual assessments and recommendations catered specifically for your condition.

If you have specific questions about colon cancer treatments, its management, or anything related, feel free to ask! We will be pleased to help you with our wide hospital & clinic network all over the Turkiye.