Colon Cancer Prognosis and Treatments

Colon cancer affects the large intestine or the rectum and is also known as colorectal cancer. Usually the cancer starts as small noncancerous polyps which become cancerous. Colon cancer is treated with surgery and has a good outlook for patients.

Early Treatment

• Early-stage colon cancer is treated with a colonoscopy. Several small incisions are made in the abdomen to remove small, cancerous polyps. Larger polyps are removed through laparoscopic surgery.

Invasive Surgery

• A colectomy is performed to remove the cancerous portion of the colon as well as some of the normal tissue on either side of the cancer. Lymph nodes in the area of the cancer may be removed as well.

Advanced

• Colon cancer in an advanced stage is treated with palliative surgery which is performed to relieve symptoms. During the procedure a blockage of the colon may be removed.

Other Treatment

• Other treatment for colon cancer includes chemotherapy and radiation to destroy cancer cells, and drugs such as Avastin and Vectibix, which target defects in the body which allow cancer cells to grow.

Prognosis

• Treated early in the disease, most colon cancer patients survive for at least five years after being diagnosed and are considered cured.