There are many stages of colon cancer. The best treatment depends on the cancer’s stage. Stage 0 is considered to be noninvasive and occurs only in the lining of the colon and rectum. Stage 3 and 4 are the most aggressive forms of colon cancer and have already spread to nearby lymph nodes and tissues. Treatment for stage 3 and stage 4 depends on the extent of the disease and whether it has spread to distant organs.
After stage I, neoadjuvant chemotherapy may be administered, as well as adjuvant chemotherapy. Adjuvant chemotherapy is given to treat any cancer cells that remain after surgery. In stage III and stage IV colon cancer, chemotherapy is given after surgery to improve symptoms and prolong survival. Some types of chemotherapy, including radiation therapy, are effective against colon cancer and may be used alone or in combination. However, many people with stage III or stage IV disease may also benefit from radiation therapy.
Stage III colorectal cancer is more aggressive and has spread to lymph nodes. There are three smaller stages of colorectal cancer, IVA, and IVB. Stage IIIA has spread to lymph nodes, but has not yet metastasized to any other organs. Stage IIIB involves the spread of the cancer to lymph nodes and other parts of the body. This stage requires the removal of the affected intestine, and radiation and chemotherapy may be added to the treatment.
Immunotherapy is another type of treatment for colon cancer. This type of medicine stimulates the patient’s immune system to respond to cancer cells. Immunotherapy is divided into active and passive forms. Active immunotherapy stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies that recognize the abnormal component of cancer cells. These antibodies then selectively kill the cancer cells. One type of active immunotherapy is a vaccine. Though still in research, vaccines are one of the newest treatments for colorectal cancer.
Surgery is one option for treating colon cancer in the advanced stages. Patients with a polyp or cancer that has spread to nearby lymph nodes can undergo a partial colostomy. These surgeries will not remove the entire colon and the 12 lymph nodes but may prevent it from growing any further. Surgery is also an option for stage III cancer. It may also be necessary to undergo radiation therapy for relief of symptoms. After surgery, patients may be prescribed certain drugs to maintain their overall health.
Chemotherapy is another treatment for colon cancer. It involves administering drugs that target the cancer cells in the colon. The goal of this treatment is to increase the patient’s body’s immune system’s ability to fight the cancer. This treatment also reduces the chances of the cancer returning. Additionally, it can help alleviate symptoms associated with colon cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. And radiation therapy is another way to treat colon cancer in advanced stages.
A diet low in fat and high in fiber is an effective way to prevent colon cancer. This type of diet may also help prevent colon cancer in some people. A low-fat diet with high fiber may reduce the risk of colon cancer by reducing inflammation in the intestines. The disease is curable if caught in its early stages. However, prevention is still the best medicine, so it is important to get regular screenings. Also, you should avoid excess calories and smoking.
Treatment for colon cancer varies greatly from patient to patient. A team of specialists is responsible for a patient’s treatment. A team of specialists works together to find the best treatment option based on the stage and overall health. If the cancer has spread, surgery is often the cornerstone of the treatment plan. Surgical removal will eliminate the tumor completely, but other treatments may be needed to destroy any remaining cancer cells. Additionally, chemotherapy is sometimes required to prevent colon cancer from recurring.
Treatment for colorectal cancer depends on the stage of the disease, the cancer type, and the potential side effects of treatment. You should discuss your treatment options with your doctor to ensure you are getting the most effective treatment possible. Moreover, you should be sure to ask any questions you may have regarding treatment options. Shared decision making is important when it comes to colorectal cancer treatment. You should be aware of the risks and side effects of every treatment option.
Your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy after receiving positive screening results. If you notice any abnormalities, your doctor may suggest a biopsy, which is essential if cancer is present in the colon. A CT scan is a more comprehensive diagnostic tool for colon cancer. In some cases, a CT scan may be used to diagnose the disease in its early stages. These tests may even be called a “virtual colonoscopy.”
