There are several types of medical treatment for colon cancer, and it is important to choose the one that is right for your specific case. Treatment options for colon cancer vary widely and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, clinical trials, and more. In general, patients should be aware of all potential side effects before choosing treatment. Listed below are the main types of medical treatment for colon cancer. A physician will perform a thorough physical examination and ask about your family history and personal medical history.
Short chain fatty acids (SCFA) are naturally occurring products of anaerobic fermentation of carbohydrates in the colon. These acids are the major source of energy for the colonic epithelium. In fact, approximately 90% of the total SCFA content in the colon is acetic, propionic, and n-butyric acid, according to Roediger’s Gastroenterology. Inflammation in the colon causes fissures, abscesses, and other symptoms.
Surgery to remove part of the colon is the most common treatment option for colon cancer. During this procedure, a doctor inserts a small tube with a camera and cutting instrument into the colon. The doctor then uses the surgical instruments to remove the cancer. The surgeon may also take a sample of the lymph nodes while they are in the colon. The doctor may also perform a partial colectomy, which removes the cancerous portion of the colon and leaves a healthy portion intact.
In addition to colon cancer medical treatment, your doctor may perform tests to determine the exact stage of your cancer. High-risk adenomas are those that are at least a centimeter in diameter and have abnormal cells under a microscope. People who suffer from familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), Crohn’s disease, and chronic ulcerative colitis are at an increased risk of colon cancer. Other factors that can increase your risk of colon cancer include drinking alcohol and smoking. While there is no single cure for colon cancer, early detection is the key to improving your prognosis.
Surgery may be the last option for advanced cancer. While it relieves the symptoms, it does not cure the cancer. Surgery may also be used if the cancer has spread to other organs such as the liver or lung. During the treatment process, chemotherapy may be given before or after the surgery. These treatments may be combined with other procedures, depending on the stage of the disease. A combination of therapies may be the best option for your individual case.
Your doctor may order a biopsy to examine tissue and determine if you have colon cancer. A pathologist views the tissue under a microscope and checks for signs of cancer. Lymph node biopsy may also be necessary. Another test used to diagnose colon cancer is the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) assay. This test measures the CEA in the blood and can be used to rule out other conditions as well.
Chemotherapy is another type of medical treatment for colon cancer. It uses drugs to kill cancer cells in the colon. While chemotherapy is rarely used to treat early colon cancer, it is sometimes given to shrink cancers before surgery. Additionally, it may help to relieve symptoms in people with colon cancer. If chemotherapy and surgery are not enough, radiation therapy may be recommended. These treatments will vary depending on the stage of the disease. However, they will help to improve your overall health and minimize the risk of recurrence.
The main goal of medical treatment for colon cancer is to prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body. Most people with colon cancer will not require surgery. However, if you do have surgery, your doctor will perform radiation therapy to shrink the cancer. You should have regular tests to monitor if you have colon cancer, and to determine if it has spread. However, if you do not have colon cancer, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor can also recommend certain medications to control the spread of the disease.
The targeted therapies for colon cancer include entrectinib and larotrectinib. Both target a rare genetic change called the NTRK fusion. These agents are approved for both metastatic colorectal cancer and stage II colorectal cancer. Tumors may be tested for other markers, including HER2 overexpression. Patients may be able to participate in clinical trials of these drugs. If the treatment is successful, it may be a good option for them.
