Colon Cancer Treatment

Colon cancer treatment is based on several factors related to both the cancer and the patient.

Treatment options depend on the location of the cancer in the colon, stage of cancer, and other health conditions. Colon cancer starts on the colon's inner layer and can spread through multiple layers of the colon wall. It can metastasize or spread further from the original or primary site into the surrounding tissue near the colon and travel to other parts of the body through the lymph system or blood in the final stages.

Your health care providers will give you options to consider so you can weigh the benefits, side effects and risks. Treatments may be used at the same time or one after the other. Some treatments are localized on the tumor without affecting other parts of the body. Other therapies attack cancer cells wherever they are throughout the body. Surgery to remove the cancer is often the first step, depending on your health care provider's recommendation. Surgery may be followed by chemotherapy and radiation, especially in stages three and four.

Surgery for colon cancer

Early stages (Stages 0–2)

There are various types of surgery, depending on how far the colon cancer has spread.

Colonoscopy: A health care provider uses a device with a long, flexible tube and video camera inserted into the rectum to show the inside of the colon. This procedure can be used as a screening test for colon cancer or to remove polyps if they are small enough.
Endoscopic mucosal resection: In this procedure, larger polyps are removed along with a small area of the colon's inner lining.
Laparoscopic surgery: The surgery is performed by making small incisions in the abdomen. Narrow tubes with both instruments and cameras are inserted to remove polyps that could not be removed during a colonoscopy.

A surgeon usually takes samples from lymph nodes to be tested for cancer in each of these surgeries.

Later stages (Stages 3 and 4)

Cancer that has spread beyond the colon to the tissue on either side of the colon involves surgery to remove the larger portions of the colon and tissue near the cancer.

Resection of the colon with anastomosis: In this procedure, the surgeon removes colon cancer and then reconnects healthy sections of the colon.
Resection of the colon with colostomy is done when colon cancer is removed, but the colon cannot be reconnected. The surgeon creates an opening using the remaining bowel directed to the surface of the abdomen. Stool will be eliminated from the body through a bag attached to the outside of your abdomen. The colostomy may be temporary to help the colon heal or it may be permanent.
Other surgeries may be recommended by your provider that are not for curing cancer, but to relieve a blockage, stop bleeding, or decrease pain to improve your health.

Chemotherapy for colon cancer

Chemotherapy comes in many forms. It can be administered as an oral medicine, infused into a vein, or injected into a muscle. All forms of chemotherapy are transported to the bloodstream and attack cancer cells all over the body. Chemotherapy can be given to attack cancer cells in a specific area of the body, such as the cerebrospinal fluid, the abdomen, or organs.

Cancer cells usually divide more rapidly than normal cells making them a good target for chemotherapy. Other fast growing cells in the body include hair follicles, skin cells and linings of the intestine and mouth. Chemotherapy does not distinguish between cancer cells and fast growing healthy cells causing side effects of hair loss, mouth sores, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and changes to nails and skin. Most of the normal cells will recover after the chemotherapy is over.

Radiation for colon cancer

Radiation therapy involves using high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. The type of radiation you receive depends on the colon cancer stage.

Externally: A machine sends x-rays to a specific area where cancer resides.
Internally: Radioactive substances can be placed in the body either near or in the tumor via needles, wires, or catheters.

Radiation can also be used to improve symptoms during palliative care, care that specializes in providing relief from symptoms for people with serious illness. Radiation can be completed before surgery to shrink cancer, making it easier to remove, or it can be completed after surgery to kill cancer cells that surgery could not remove.

Side effects of radiation include nausea, skin irritation with redness, peeling, or blistering in the area that received radiation. It can also cause irritation of the rectum and bowel causing diarrhea, blood in the stool or urine, and pain when urinating or with bowel movements. The side effects usually disappear after treatment has ended. If side effects continue, contact your health care provider.

Colon cancer treatment can feel overwhelming. Enlist support from family and friends during this time. If you have questions regarding medications or suggestions for relief from side effects, ask your local Walgreens pharmacist in the store for help or chat with one of our pharmacists online. We are here for you 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

Published on February 3, 2021