Colon cancer remains a common form of cancer diagnosed every year. Medical science has advanced significantly, offering several avenues for early detection and intervention that can reduce the likelihood of invasive colon cancer surgery. Doctors play a central role in this preventive landscape, guiding patients through screening protocols and lifestyle modifications that target risk factors before cancer develops or progresses.
What Is Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer originates in the large intestine, which is the final part of the digestive tract. Most cases begin as small clumps of cells called polyps that form on the inside lining of the colon. Over time, some of these polyps can become colon cancers. Polyps may be small and produce few, if any, symptoms. Doctors recommend regular screening tests for this reason to help prevent colon cancer by identifying and removing polyps before they turn into cancer.
When cancer does develop, it affects the cells lining the colon. These cells grow uncontrollably and can invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. Several factors influence the development of this disease, including age, family history, inflammatory intestinal conditions, and lifestyle choices. Medical professionals assess these variables to determine a patient’s risk profile.
What Is Colon Cancer Surgery?
Colon cancer surgery is a procedure to remove all or part of the colon, and nearby lymph nodes may also be removed to check for cancer. When a surgeon removes only part of the colon, it is called a partial colectomy. The surgeon takes out the part of the colon with the cancer and a small segment of healthy colon on either side.
The surgeon can reconnect the healthy parts of the colon immediately in some cases. If reconnection is not possible, the surgeon may create an opening on the outside of the body for waste to exit into a bag. This is known as an ostomy, which can be temporary or permanent. Surgery is a significant intervention used primarily when cancer has already formed and grown to a stage where removal is necessary to stop its spread.
How Is Cancer Treated Non-Surgically?
Doctors employ several strategies to manage colon health without resorting to surgery, particularly in early stages or for prevention. The most effective tool for preventing surgery is screening. A colonoscopy allows a doctor to view the entire colon and rectum. If the doctor finds polyps during this exam, they can remove them immediately. Removing these pre-cancerous growths eliminates the chance that those specific polyps will develop into cancer and prevents the need for future cancer surgery.
For patients diagnosed with cancer, treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy serve as alternatives or adjuncts to surgery. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells, while radiation therapy uses high-powered energy beams. These treatments can shrink tumors. This sometimes makes surgery less extensive or unnecessary if the cancer responds well.
Confer With a Colon Surgeon
Navigating the complexities of colon health requires professional guidance. While general practitioners provide initial screenings, a colon and rectal surgeon offers specialized expertise. Consulting with a specialist does not mean surgery is inevitable. These doctors provide comprehensive evaluations and can discuss surveillance plans tailored to your specific history.
