Rochester General Hospital
Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Treatment depends on a variety of factors such as:
1) Your general health
2) The site of the tumor
3) The stage the cancer has reached.
Surgery is required in almost all cases of cancer. Sometimes radiation and chemotherapy are used in addition. If the cancer is detected in its early stage, 80 to 90% of people have restoration to normal health.
The cure rate drops significantly when the cancer is diagnosed in its later stages. The stages, or classification of colon and rectal cancer, are determined once the tumor is surgically removed.
To help stage colorectal cancer, the following questions need to be answered:
1) How extensive was the growth of the tumor?
2) Has the tumor spread through the colon wall?
3) Were any lymph nodes near the tumor involved?
4) Has the cancer spread to other parts of the body (for example, the liver)?
The goal of surgery is to remove the portion of the colon which contains the tumor and nearby tissue. An abdominal incision is used to reach the affected colon, which is then removed. This is called a bowel resection. Laparoscopic surgery for bowel resection can also be performed. This type of surgery involves smaller incisions and smaller instruments compared to traditional surgery. Having smaller incisions can mean less pain after surgery, a quicker recovery in the hospital and a shorter time to return to your normal activities. Your surgeon will help you determine if you are a candidate for this or not.
Usually the bowel ends are rejoined or anastomosed. Sometimes an ostomy (such as colostomy or ileostomy) may necessary. It can be permanent or temporary.
The purpose of the ostomy is to provide passage for body waste in a safe way. Patients learn to take care of their ostomies. They can obtain additional assistance from specialists called enterostomal therapists.
Certified enterostomal therapists provide inpatient and outpatient services. These services include patient and family education and counseling regarding ostomy and wound care, as well as consultation with nurses, physicians and other health care team members.
