Treatment – Colon Cancer - The Women Surgeons

How To Treat Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the large intestine (colon) and can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. Dr. Minicozzi offers a comprehensive approach to colon cancer treatment, combining advanced diagnostic tools, cutting-edge surgical techniques, and personalized care. Treatment for colon cancer can vary based on the cancer’s stage, location, and the patient’s overall health.

Early diagnosis and timely intervention are key to improving treatment outcomes. Dr. Minicozzi works closely with each patient to develop a customized treatment plan, whether it involves surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of methods. Our goal is to provide effective treatment while maintaining the highest quality of life for our patients.

Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Colon cancer can develop without showing early symptoms, which is why regular screenings are crucial. However, as the disease progresses, some of the common symptoms that may indicate colon cancer include

Changes in bowel habits

Blood in stool or rectal bleeding

Abdominal discomfort such as cramping or bloating

Unexplained weight loss

Fatigue or weakness

Feeling that the bowel does not empty completely after a bowel movement

Nausea or vomiting (in more advanced stages)

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

How We Can Treat Colon Cancer

The treatment process may include:

1. Diagnosis

Early detection is vital for successful treatment. Dr. Minicozzi uses state-of-the-art diagnostic methods to confirm the presence of colon cancer, including:

Colonoscopy: The primary screening method for colon cancer, where a flexible tube with a camera examines the colon for abnormal growths or tumors.
Imaging Tests (CT, MRI, PET CT ): To assess the size of the tumor and determine whether cancer has spread to other organs.
Biopsy: A small tissue sample taken during a colonoscopy to confirm if cancer cells are present.

2. Surgery

For many patients, surgery is the primary treatment. Dr. Minicozzi specializes in minimally invasive surgery, such as laparoscopic and robotic-assisted techniques, which involve smaller incisions, leading to faster recovery times and reduced pain. Surgical options include:

Colectomy: Removal of part or all of the colon, depending on the extent of cancer.
- Right hemicolectomy: A right hemicolectomy is a procedure to remove the right-hand portion of the colon, including the caecum, ascending colon and a portion of the transverse colon.
- Left hemicolectomy: A left hemicolectomy removes the left-hand portion of the colon, resecting the mid-transverse colon to the descending/sigmoid junction.
- Sigmoid colectomy: Colon cancer surgery aims to remove the diseased part of the bowel and this procedure removes the sigmoid portion, which lies on the left-hand side of the abdomen. The remaining colon is then joined to the top of the rectum.
Robotic/Laparoscopic Surgery: A minimally invasive surgery that uses smaller incisions for quicker healing.
Colostomy or Ileostomy: In cases where a part of colon is removed, a stoma (opening) may be created for waste elimination.

3. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. It may be used before surgery to shrink tumors or after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. It may also be used as a primary treatment for advanced-stage cancer.

4. Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is sometimes used to treat rectal cancer or to reduce the size of tumors before surgery. It can also help treat cancer that cannot be completely removed through surgery.

5. Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy

Targeted therapies focus on specific molecules involved in cancer growth. Immunotherapy boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer more effectively. These treatments may be recommended for advanced or metastatic colon cancer.

6. Post-Treatment Support

After treatment, Dr. Minicozzi provides thorough post-operative care, including follow-up visits to monitor for recurrence, manage any side effects, and ensure ongoing health and wellness