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Colon cancer is a very fatal disease, in particular, if diagnosed too late. However, treatment success for those who suffer from disease has increased, as has the survival rate. This is due to early prevention along with the development of new therapies for colon cancer. In fact, many early diagnosed colon cancer patients, if treated promptly, are reported to achieve a full recovery from the disease.

Colon cancer treatment plan is different from one patient to another. Oncologist's (experts in diagnosis and treatment of cancer) consider a number of factors when determining treatment for colorectal cancer, including the general state of health of the patient and the extent of the size of the site of tumor. As a result, there are numerous factors considered when selecting the choice of an appropriate treatment for an individual patient; Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are the primary three treatments used for colorectal cancer. Typically a combination of one or more of these treatments are used,

For early stages of colon cancer (Stage 0 & Stage I), surgery is the treatment of choice. These are the stages wherein cancer is confined locally and has affected a small portion of the colon only. The procedure may range from polypectmy to partial colectomy. Polypectomy is the surgical removal of a polyp in the colon and it is even possibly done during colonoscopy as long as the tumor (polyp) is small enough. On the other hand, partial colectomy is the resection of the affected portion of the colon and adjacent lymph nodes. The two procedures discussed do not require any other additional treatment like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The surgery alone can successfully eradicate the disease with a good prognosis as long as the malignant tissues were completely removed.

For stage II colon cancer treatment, surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy are usually suggested by most physicians. It is in this stage wherein the malignancy has penetrated the colonic wall and even invaded nearby tissues but has not yet metastasized (spread) to the lymph nodes. The surgery in this stage typically removes the tumor, nearby tissues and lymph nodes. However, chemotherapy is optional depending on the presence of some conditions that are caused by cancer such as:

1. Perforation, or the presence of a hole or holes in the wall of the colon;

2. The presence of a high degree of malignancy;

3. If fewer than 12 lymph nodes are eliminated;

4. Malignant cells with micro satellite instability (MSI), removed from the border of the sample.

5. Organs in the vicinity of removed area are also invaded by cancer;

6. an obstruction in the colon.

Patients with colorectal cancer at phase III usually the colon cancer is only in the tissues and lymph nodes in the vicinity of the colon but not detected in remote areas of the body. At this stage treatment consists of a partial Collection and adjuvant chemotherapy, as well as a possible treatment using radiation therapy. Surgical treatment is performed in the cases of patients who are physically capable of tolerating. Otherwise, chemotherapy and radiation treatment are the therapy usually preferred.

Cancer (phase IV) at an advanced stage of cancer patents are often less able to tolerate surgery. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are usually the best choice. At this stage the cancer has often spread beyond the colon lymph nodes and tissues and now is seen in other organ systems. In most cases, organs that pass the metastasis are the lungs, liver, ovaries and peritoneum. Chemotherapy, medications are administered intravenously (IV), or others are presented in tablet form. These drugs are designed to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs are administered prior to removing the tumor to reduce the size of the tumor. On the other hand, ionizing radiation is used in radiation therapy and also can reduce the tumor. But often, treatment to give to patients, to alleviate the symptoms of cancer, especially of pain, but not necessarily to treat cancer. I have to say, but at this stage, cancer has a extremely bad outcome in most cases.

Overall, there are several options for colon cancer treatment. However, the best time to undergo such any of the treatment is during the earlier stage of the disease. It is significant that any individual risk for colon cancer undergoes certain diagnostic exams regularly for early detection because definitely cancer has a treatment and a good prognosis is possible.

The info provided through this piece is NOT a substitute intended for expert treatment and should not be used for detection or treating a medical problem or disease. I suggest you consult your health care provider should you have or believe you might have a health problem.

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