Colon cancer
Alternative names:
cancer of the intestine; colorectal cancer; intestinal cancer
Treatment:
Surgical resection of the affected part of the colon is the primary treatment alternative. Chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be added when tumor has invaded the lymph system (metastasized).
Tumors are classified by Dukes stage of the carcinoma - Dukes A: mucosal involvement only
- Dukes B: local invasion of the tumor
- Dukes C: involvement of regional lymph nodes
- Dukes D: distant metastases of tumor
Support groups:
The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group.
Expectations (prognosis):
Dukes A and B have high cure rates following resection. Dukes C provides a 60% 5-year survival when resection is followed by chemotherapy. The overall 5 year survival rate is 50% after resection.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if a change in bowel habits is present for 10 days or longer.
Call for an appointment if risk factors for colon cancer are present and you have not had a physical examination recently.
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