Treatment of Colon Cancer

Colon cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in the inner walls of the colon’s glands. Usually, there is development of adenomatous polyp clusters in the glands. Over time, the condition becomes conducive for the growth of cancer cells. These cells will soon degenerate and become adenocarcinomas. People with adenomatous polyposis are at higher risk in developing colon cancer. The adenomatous condition is usually inherited and is prevalent in families. However, even though all types of colon cancer are not genetic, the treatment would be the same.

Medical Treatment

Although surgery is considered to be the primary treatment for many types of colon cancer, chemotherapy is also advised if the cancer has already reached the lymph nodes. Radiation treatment is also possible. It is commonly done before surgery to reduce the size of the tumor/s that must be removed. Radiation treatment also helps lessen the risk of cancer reoccurrence following surgery. It is also considered to be a good treatment for patients diagnosed with rectal cancer. Quite often more than one type of treatment is prescribed, either simultaneously or sequentially. As time goes on, newer technologies and mediations are being developed that have ever increasing rates of success.

Surgery

Surgery is the foremost treatment for colon cancer. The cancer’s or the tumor’s location determines whether only a part or the entire colon will be removed. In some cases, it’s only necessary to remove the polyp especially if it’s the cancerous part. Often, doctors advise surgery to help relieve and address any bowel obstruction. A common procedure when dealing with bowel obstructions is bypass. This is done if other treatments did not work. For more complicated cases, colon cancer is treated through a surgical procedure called permanent colostomy.

Permanent Colostomy

This procedure requires creating a neat opening in the abdomen. The procedure connects the remaining colon inside the body to the opening for purposes of providing a path for elimination of waste instead of through the anus. A bag is attached to the opening where fecal matter will be deposited. To prevent odor and skin irritation, the bag is changed at regular intervals. There are several conditions calling for a colostomy. However, tumor development on the top of the rectum or on the right side of the colon will not call for a colostomy procedure.

Prevention is Still Better than Cure

Once colon cancer has escalated, a person has to deal with surgery or impending death. Neither of these two conditions is ideal. That is why it is important to take the necessary precautions as early as possible. The best way to prevent colon cancer from developing is through colon cleansing. There are many types of colon cleansing methods available on the market today. Also, regular screenings are advised by the time a person has reached 50 years of age or if there is a history of colon cancer in the family. The best treatment, after all, is prevention.