The treatment remains similar to what it was in 1974 when I began Chiropractic health-care college.
The usual treatment for colon cancer involves surgery to remove the cancerous part of the colon, and may also include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or targeted therapy, depending on the stage and location of the cancer.
Here’s a more detailed explanation: Tis is coming from Google AI. and includes a lot from Mayo Clinic.
- Polypectomy:
If the cancer is small and contained within a polyp, it can often be removed during a colonoscopy, a procedure called polypectomy.
- Partial Colectomy (Colon Resection):
If the cancer is larger or has spread beyond the polyp, a surgeon will remove the affected part of the colon and some surrounding healthy tissue, a procedure called partial colectomy or colon resection.
- Colectomy:
In some cases, the entire colon may need to be removed, a procedure called colectomy.
- Anastomosis:
After removing the cancerous section, the remaining healthy parts of the colon are usually reconnected in a procedure called anastomosis.
- Colostomy:
In some cases, the surgeon may create a colostomy, where the end of the colon is brought out through an opening in the abdomen, forming a pouch for waste collection.
- Adjuvant Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy, which uses drugs to kill cancer cells, is often given after surgery to help prevent the cancer from returning, especially if it has spread to lymph nodes.
- Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy:
In some cases, chemotherapy may be given before surgery to shrink the tumor and make it easier to remove.
- Systemic Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy drugs can be given through an IV (intravenously) or orally, allowing them to circulate throughout the body and reach cancer cells in other areas.
- Regional Chemotherapy:
In some cases, chemotherapy drugs can be delivered directly to the area of the colon with cancer, reducing side effects by limiting the amount of drug reaching the rest of the body.
- Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
- It’s sometimes used before surgery to shrink the tumor or after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.
- Radiation may be used in combination with chemotherapy (chemo-radiation).
- Targeted therapies are drugs that specifically target cancer cells, leaving healthy cells alone.
- Some targeted therapies can be used to treat advanced colon cancer.
- Immunotherapy uses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer.
- It can be used to treat advanced colon cancer.
- Stage of the Cancer:
The stage of the cancer (how far it has spread) is a major factor in determining the best treatment plan.
- Location of the Cancer:
The location of the cancer in the colon can also influence treatment decisions.
- Overall Health:
The patient’s overall health and medical history are also considered when planning treatment.
- Patient Preferences:The patient’s preferences and goals are also taken into account.
- Colon cancer – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo ClinicDec 19, 2024 — Colon cancer treatment usually involves surgery to remove the cancer. Your health care team might recommend other trea…Mayo Clinic
- Colon Cancer Treatment – NCIMarch 5, 2025 — Treatment Option Overview * There are different types of treatment for people with colon cancer. * The following types …National Cancer Institute
- Treatment for bowel (colorectal) cancer – Cancer Research UKYour treatment depends on whether you have colon or rectal cancer. Your treatment also depends on a number of factors including ho…Cancer Research UK
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