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Colorectal cancer diagnosed late is a particularly deadly disease. But that said, the progress of the medical advancement has lead to improved colon cancer treatment resulting in increased survival rate. In fact, some cases of colorectal cancer in the early stage diagnosis and treatment of diseases results in complete remission and elimination of cancer from the individual.

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. An opening or hole in the colon wall,

2. Highly malignant cells detected;

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. Adjacent organs also infected by cancer.

6. A blockage in the large intestine.

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.

For the late stage of cancer (stage IV), surgery is often the least option and chemotherapy as well as radiation therapy are generally the best choices. The malignancy in this stage often spread throughout other organs of the body distal to the colon and lymph nodes. Mostly, the organs that are subjected to metastasis are the lungs, liver, ovaries and peritoneum. In chemotherapy, medications are administered intravenously (IV) or others are given per orem (mouth) as pills. These drugs are meant to destroy the cancer cells. In instances that the metastases in other organs are not that severe, these malignant cells can also be removed through surgery together with the cancerous colon tissues. But if large enough, chemotherapeutic drugs are initially administered to reduce the size of the tumor prior to surgical removal. On the other hand, ionizing radiation is used for radiation therapy and this can also be done to shrink the tumor. But often times, it is given to patients to alleviate cancer symptoms, particularly pain but not definitely cure the cancer. It is sad to say but this stage of cancer has very poor prognosis.

In general, there are several options for the treatment of colorectal cancer. The best treatment for such a disease is in the earliest phase. Individual risk for colorectal cancer, treatment of cancer, is because all and it is absolutely possible that for a good prognosis what is required is early detection using specific diagnostic studies.

The info offered in this item is absolutely not a substitute for certified care and shouldn't be used for testing or treating a medical problem or disorder. You ought seek advice from your medical provider if you happen to have or imagine you could have a health problem.