Colon cancer treatment involves several approaches based on the stage of cancer, patient health, and other factors. The primary treatment is surgery, which aims to remove cancerous tissue. Early-stage colon cancer is often treated with a partial colectomy, where the affected portion of the colon is removed, along with nearby lymph nodes. This can potentially cure the disease if caught early.
For more advanced stages, surgery may be combined with other treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing, and is often recommended after surgery if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes or beyond. It can also be used to shrink tumors before surgery or manage cancer that cannot be fully removed.
Radiation therapy may be used in cases where the cancer is located in the rectum or has spread to nearby organs. It can help shrink tumors before surgery or relieve symptoms in advanced cases.
Targeted therapies, which focus on specific molecular changes in cancer cells, and immunotherapy, which helps the immune system attack cancer, are options for certain patients, particularly in advanced or metastatic colon cancer.
In addition to these treatments, lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, may help in recovery and prevention of recurrence. Regular screenings and follow-up care are essential to monitor for recurrence and manage any long-term effects of treatment. Early detection remains critical, as colon cancer is highly treatable when caught in its early stages.
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