Discover The Options For Colon Cancer Treatment

When it comes to colon cancer treatment, it depends primarily on the size, location and the extent of tumor growth, as well as the general state of health of the patient. There are several options for colon cancer treatment available, some of which may be combined to get optimum results:

1. Surgery is considered to be the most common colon cancer treatment method. Usually a part of the healthy colon is removed along with tumor. The doctor then rejoins the healthy colon or rectum. In case the doctor is unable to reconnect the healthy colon, as the cancer has spread through a larger area, then a temporary or permanent colostomy is done. Colostomy is basically opening up a new pathway for the stool and waste mater to leave the body. Thus, after a colostomy a patient has to wear a plastic bag which collects all the waste material. Temporary colostomy is done to allow the lower colon or rectum to get enough time to heal after surgery.

2. Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer medicines to destroy cancerous cells. Chemotherapy can be used to kill or control cancerous cells or even relieve colorectal cancer symptoms. Chemotherapeutic medicines are usually administered through the veins or may also be given in the form of pills.

3. In radiation therapy, high energy X-rays are used to destroy the cancer cells. It is generally used to treat colorectal cancers. Doctors do radiation therapy preceding surgery to shrink the tumor for ease of removal and after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. Radiation therapy is used to alleviate colon cancer symptoms also.

4. The fourth kind of colon cancer therapy is called the biological therapy. This enhances the immune system of the body to fight the cancer cells. It repairs, stimulates or boosts the immune system through injections which pass through the veins. Biological therapy can be given after surgery or in combination with chemo or radiation therapy for colon cancer treatment.

Colon Cancer Treatment Side Effects

Short-term pain and tenderness in the area of the operation are expected after surgery. Temporary constipation or diarrhea, irritation of the skin around the stoma are side effects encountered after surgery or colostomy.

Common side effects of chemotherapy include nausea and vomiting, hair loss, mouth sores, diarrhea, and fatigue.

Common side effects of radiation therapy are fatigue, skin changes at the site where the treatment is given, loss of appetite, nausea, and diarrhea.

Biological therapy may cause flu-like symptoms, such as chills, fever, weakness, and nausea.