Colon Cancer Treatment

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays (such as x-rays) or particles to destroy cancer cells. It may be part of treatment for either colon or rectal cancer. Chemotherapy can make radiation therapy more effective against some colon and rectal cancers,... Full Answer

If you are a man, an abdominoperineal (AP) resection may stop your erections or ability to reach orgasm. In other cases, your pleasure at orgasm may become less intense. Normal aging may cause some of these changes, but they may be made worse by the... Full Answer

Laparoscopic-assisted colectomy is a newer approach to removing part of the colon and nearby lymph nodes, and may be an option for some earlier stage cancers. Instead of making one long incision in the abdomen, the surgeon makes several smaller... Full Answer

There is a genetic mutation called KRAS that we look for within the actual colon cancer specimen once it’s removed. Forty percent of people with colorectal cancer have a genetic mutation. This genetic mutation can affect the medicine,... Full Answer

Chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment for colon cancer. Radiation is used for residual tumor or in areas where the tumor is in a fixed position. Depending upon the stage of colon cancer it may also be utilized for palliative treatment. It is utilized... Full Answer

For best results, cancer treatments require a team approach. Anyone diagnosed with colorectal cancer should have surgery with a surgeon specially trained in cancer or colorectal surgery. Some patients may need chemotherapy, either before surgery to... Full Answer

Radiation colitis is inflammation to the lower parts of the colon after exposure to radiation therapy seen most commonly after treatment for cancers such as cervical cancer, prostate cancer and colon cancer. Symptoms typically involve the sigmoid colon... Full Answer

Surgical options for colorectal cancer depend largely on the location and extent of the cancer. For cancer of the large intestine, removing the cancerous section of the colon and splicing the remaining ends together is usually considered. This surgery... Full Answer

You probably will feel tired after a colostomy for colorectal cancer. You will need a few months to regain your strength. Full Answer

After a colostomy for colorectal cancer, the colostomy opening can become infected. To prevent this, keep your skin under the pouch clean and dry. Full Answer