Colon Cancer Treatments

Colon Cancer Treatment Options 

There are several conventional methods for treating colon cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. No matter what your treatment needs are, Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) offers in a variety of innovative procedures designed to target the disease while minimizing the side effects and impact on your life. Your treatment will depend on the stage of cancer, your overall health, and your treatment goals.

At CTCA, our doctors take time to understand your individual needs and then work with you to develop a  treatment plan that's right for you.

Surgery

Surgery can be used to treat colon cancer in both the early and advanced stages. Depending on the stage and your treatment goals, surgery may be used in conjunction with other treatments, like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Generally, surgery is performed to remove tumors from the colon. In the early stages, your surgeon may also take samples from lymph nodes for analysis by a pathologist. Your surgeon may also recommend a surgical procedure to remove a blockage of the bowel or to help prevent future complications.

Surgical treatment options may include:

• Polypectomy - In early stages of colon cancer (stage 0 and stage 1), the cancer can sometimes be treated by removing the polyp.
• Colon resection (colectomy) - The cancerous portion of the colon is surgically removed. A colostomy may also be performed in conjunction with a colectomy to help the colon heal.
• Radiofrequency ablation - Heated radiofrequency waves "melt away" cancerous tumors. This procedure may be used during surgery to target cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, like the liver.

Chemotherapy

The anti-cancer drugs used in chemotherapy treatments are designed to inhibit the rapid division of cancer cells. Depending on your individual treatment plan, chemotherapy may be used before or after surgery. At CTCA, you and your cancer care team can select the chemotherapy that best complements your treatment plan.

The following are some of the chemotherapy treatments available for treating colon cancer:

• Metronomic chemotherapy - The total dose is broken into small amounts and administered over several days to help reduce the unpleasant side effects of standard chemotherapy. Depending on the size of the tumor and stage of the cancer, your CTCA care team may recommend this method of chemotherapy administration.
• Intra-arterial Chemotherapy (IAC) - A targeted dose of chemotherapy drugs are delivered through the hepatic artery directly to the liver. If your cancer has metastasized (spread) to the liver, your oncologist may recommend this treatment to target tumors in the liver while helping to spare healthy surrounding tissue.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy targets tumors with precision high-energy rays. CTCA offers some of the most leading-edge radiation therapies in the United States, like TheraSphere® and TomoTherapy®. These radiation therapies use techniques that enable your doctor to deliver concentrated doses directly to the tumor. Your CTCA cancer team will help you decide if radiation is a viable treatment option for you.

Complementary Therapies for Colon Cancer

We believe caring for your overall well being is an important part of the treatment process. Our integrative approach treats more than just the colon cancer—your cancer care team will help to improve your quality of life while you are receiving treatment. For example, nutrition therapy, mind-body medicine, and oncology rehabilitation work to help keep your mind and body strong throughout treatment.

The CTCA Difference

At CTCA, we offer traditional medical treatments in combination with supportive cancer therapies—all under one roof. Your treatment plan is designed with your needs and comfort in mind. Together, you and your doctors will chart the best course of treatment for you.

If you're looking for an innovative and personalized approach to treating colon cancer, call us today at 1-800-615-3055 or Chat Now to explore our colon cancer treatment program in more detail. Our representatives are available 24 hours a day, every day of the week.