Oncologists select the best treatment for colorectal cancer, depending on
two factors. One, they monitor your overall health to determine your capability
to withstand the various treatment options available. Secondly, they also
consider the disease stage- is the disease starting,or has it advanced?
Your physician knows which treatment option is best for you, here are
some of the available treatment options for colorectal cancer:
Chemotherapy - It is
administered after surgery. The treatment aims to kill any remaining cancer
cells and to control the growth of tumors. However, the treatment has some side
effects, which your oncologist will talk to you about them. Some of the drugs
used for chemotherapy include oxaliplatin (Eloxatin), capecitabine (Xeloda),
irinotecan (Camptosar), and fluorouracil.
Surgery –The treatment
is useful if the cancer is in its initial stages. Colorectal cancer occurs when
polyps form in the abdominal lining, and then they become cancerous. As long as
the polyps are not attached to the wall of your bowel, a surgeon can remove
them without touching the colon. However, if the polyps are connected to the
bowel wall, the surgeon has to cut a portion of the rectum or colon and the
surrounding lymph nodes. After the procedure, the physician will reattach the
healthy colon or rectum. In some cases, the surgeon makes an incision on the
walls of the abdomen colostomy for waste removal.
Radiation – It is used before and after the
surgery. Physicians use the treatment to destroy cancer cells by beaming a ray
of light similar to how x-rays work. In most cases, radiation is used alongside
chemotherapy.
Additional
approved medication
FDA ( food and Drug Administration) has approved the following drugs for
the treatment of colorectal cancer. The drugs treat metastatic or advanced
stage colorectal cancer that has spread to other areas and does not respond to
other treatments.
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