Colorectal cancer is a type of disease that develops when abnormal cancerous cells begin to grow within the lining of your colon (large intestine) and rectum. Though the cause of this disease is unknown, certain risk factors, such as increased age, smoking or a high-fat diet, can make you more susceptible to developing colorectal cancer. If you have been diagnosed with this condition, speak with your doctor to discuss the colorectal cancer treatment options that are available to you.
Surgery
When you have colorectal cancer, your doctor may recommend surgical treatment to remove the cancerous cells from your body. There are several different types of surgical procedures utilized to treat this form of cancer. In the early stages of colorectal cancer, your surgeon may be able to remove the cancerous cells from the surface of the colon using a surgical instrument called a colonoscope. This allows your surgeon to access the cancerous tissue through your anus, rather than through surgical incisions within the abdomen.
With more advanced forms of colorectal cancer, your surgeon may recommend colon surgery (colectomy)---a procedure in which the portion of the colon that contains cancerous cells is removed through incisions in the abdomen. If your rectum contains cancerous cells, your surgeon may have to remove your anus by performing a proctectomy, abdominal perineal resection or pelvic exenteration, explains the American Cancer Society.
These types of surgical procedures are typically performed through incisions in the abdomen. A colostomy---an opening at the front of the stomach to allow waste from the colon to leave the body---is required if you undergo any surgical procedure that involves removal of the anus. Such procedures can cause a number of side effects, which should be discussed with your doctor before selecting this form of cancer treatment.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a type of colorectal cancer treatment that utilizes high-energy x-rays to destroy the abnormally replicating cancer cells. These high-energy rays can be applied to the cancer cells from the outside of the body (external radiation) or from within the cancerous tumor (implant radiation). Patients with colorectal cancer may have radiation therapy following surgery to ensure that all of the cancer cells are killed. Side effects of radiation therapy, including skin irritation, nausea, diarrhea and fatigue, should be discussed in detail with your doctor before beginning this form of cancer treatment.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy---commonly called chemo---is a type of colorectal cancer treatment that utilizes oral or intravenous (IV) drugs to destroy cancer cells and to prevent them from replicating within the body. Patients with colorectal cancer may receive chemotherapy treatment prior to surgery to help decrease the size of cancerous tumors within the colon. Doing so can make the surgical procedure easier for your surgeon to perform and can help ensure that all of the cancerous cells are removed. Side effects associated with chemo include hair loss, mouth sores, decreased appetite, fatigue or nausea and typically resolve once treatment has ended. If you have questions or concerns regarding chemo treatment, speak with your doctor for further guidance.
Biological Therapy
If you have colorectal cancer that has spread to other parts of your body, your doctor may recommend the use of biological therapy to treat your cancer. Biological therapy involves the IV administration of monoclonal antibodies that specifically target and bind to cancerous colorectal cells. These monoclonal antibodies can prevent cancerous cells from replicating, thereby inhibiting the spread of cancer throughout your body. Side effects of biological therapy can include skin rash, diarrhea, breathing problems, fever or skin rash and should be discussed with your doctor before you begin treatment.
