Colon cancer occurs when malignant cancer cells begin to grow and spread within the walls of the colon. The colon has several regions, with the sigmoid colon being the last section of the colon immediately above the rectum and anus. As the cancer grows, it begins to form tumors, which can spread to other organs of the body via the body's lymphatic system. Cancer of the sigmoid colon may be diagnosed by blood testing, colonoscopy or imaging tests. Treatment is recommended on an individual basis, depending on the severity of the disease as well as the patients overall health. There are several treatment options intended to treat cancer of the sigmoid colon.
Surgery
Surgery may be an option for sigmoid colon cancer depending on the size and location of the tumor. Cancer of the sigmoid colon arises out of hyperplastic polyps, states the Colon Cancer Resource website. Compliance with colonoscopy as recommended by a physician is essential as these polyps may be removed prior to becoming cancerous if detected early. In more advanced cases, a sigmoid colon resection may be necessary in which the affected part of the colon and surrounding tissue is removed. According to MayoClinic.com, nearby lymph nodes are usually also removed and tested for cancer. If lymph nodes test positive for cancer, it may indicate a higher risk for spread throughout the body. In severe cases, a large portion of the colon may be removed, which will require patients to have a colostomy bag to collect waste.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of strong medications to kill cancer cells and keep them from dividing. It can be given intravenously or in the form of a pill. According to MayoClinic.com, chemotherapy may be recommended if the cancer has spread beyond the wall of the colon or if it has spread to the lymph nodes. Cancer of the sigmoid colon may be more likely to spread to the region of the lungs and liver. Side effects of chemotherapy may include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, mouth sores, and weight loss. Chemotherapy may be given in conjunction with surgery and radiation therapy.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high beam rays to kill and destroy cancer cells. It may be given from a machine on the outside of the body or internally through the surgical implantation of radioactive wires, rods or seeds at or near the sigmoid colon. In some cases, radiation therapy may be used prior to surgery to shrink an existing tumor to make surgery easier. Side effects of radiation therapy may include skin burns, peeling, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
