Colorectal cancer occurs when malignant cancer cells begin to grow and spread in the colon or rectum. In the United States, it is the fourth most common cancer in men and women but, when caught early, it is often curable, reports Medline Plus, a publication of the National Institutes of Health. Physicians will determine treatment recommendations based on a patient's age, overall health and stage of disease. There are several treatment options for colorectal cancer.
Surgery
According to the National Cancer Institute, surgically removing the cancer is the most common treatment for all stages of colon cancer. The type of surgery recommended for a patient depends on the stage and grade of their disease. In early stages, a local excision may be preformed, which entails removing the small tumor through the opening of the rectum. In more advanced cases, a resection may be required. During a surgical resection, the tumor and surrounding area are removed surgically. Nearby lymph nodes are usually removed for dissection to ascertain if the cancer has spread past the colon. In severe cases, a patient may require a colostomy bag placed outside of the body to collect wastes. This usually occurs when a large area of the colon needs to be removed and there is not enough healthy colon left to repair.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of strong medications to kill cancer cells and prevent them from dividing. Chemotherapy may be given intravenously through an IV or a through a surgically implanted device, or in the form of a pill taken by mouth. In some cases, chemotherapy may be given locally inside the body near the affected area, which is called regional chemotherapy. Side effects of chemotherapy can include fatigue, weakness, mouth sores, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. The amount of chemotherapy a patient receives is dependent on the severity of their cancer and whether or not it has spread to other parts of the body.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing. Radiation may be given externally from a machine outside of the body, or internally through the implantation of radioactive seeds, wires, or rods near the affected area. Radiation may be given in conjunction with surgery and chemotherapy for colorectal cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. Side effects of radiation therapy may include fatigue, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and skin burns.
