According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 100,000 new cases of colon cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States. In its early stage, colon cancer can be removed during a routine colonoscopy. Colon cancer screening and early detection is important to a successful outcome because advanced colon cancer is more difficult to treat. Surgery combined with chemotherapy is used to treat advanced colon cancer.
Treatment
The treatment for advanced colon cancer depends upon your individual health circumstances and the stage of the cancer. Stage 0 colon cancer is the earliest stage, when the cancer is confined to the inner layer of your colon. These cancer growths are removed easily during a colonoscopy. More advanced colon cancers require invasive surgery, chemotherapy and sometimes radiation. Stage I cancer is still confined to the inner colon layers but has spread. In stage II, the cancer has spread through the walls of your colon. Stage III cancer has metastasized to your lymph nodes. In stage IV colon cancer, the cancer has spread throughout your body to other organs; this is the most difficult stage to treat successfully.
Surgery
Surgery is usually required for stages I, II and III. Surgery may not be advised in stage IV, when the cancer has already spread to other organs. With surgery, an attempt is made to remove all of the cancer by taking out part of your colon. If enough of your colon is healthy, your doctor will remove the cancerous portion and sew the healthy ends together. This is called a colon resection. If the cancer has spread throughout your colon, your surgeon may remove most of your colon and attach your large intestine to an opening in your abdomen called a stoma. The contents of your bowels will drain into a bag attached to your stoma. This type of surgery is called a colostomy.
