How to Treat Stage 2 and 3 Colon Cancer?
Each year, thousands of people receive a diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer, a condition that begins in the colon or rectum and most commonly affects individuals over the age of 50.
With the rising incidence of this disease, understanding the path towards diagnosis, treatment, and recovery becomes crucial.
This article aims to present a comprehensive guide to the journey of treating colorectal cancer at stage 2 and stage 3.
Colorectal Cancer: The Hidden Adversary
The First Steps to combating colorectal cancer are understanding the disease and detecting it early. Colorectal cancer arises in the colon or rectum, parts of the large intestine.
It often starts as a benign growth, known as a polyp, that over time, may develop into cancer.
The early stages of colorectal cancer may not exhibit symptoms, or the symptoms may be subtle and easily overlooked.
This is one reason why colorectal cancer is often termed a ‘silent disease. When symptoms do occur, they may include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, persistent abdominal discomfort, weakness, and unexplained weight loss.
Risk factors for colorectal cancer are varied. They include age, with people over 50 being more likely to develop the disease; lifestyle factors such as a diet low in fruit and vegetables and high in fat, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use; and a family or personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps. Certain inherited genetic syndromes also increase the risk.
Diagnosis of colorectal cancer often begins with a fecal occult blood test to detect hidden blood in the stool, a potential sign of cancer.
A colonoscopy is performed next, which enables doctors to view the entire colon and rectum and remove any polyps for examination under a microscope.
Imaging tests like CT scans may also be used for a more detailed investigation. Early detection greatly increases the chances of successful treatment, which emphasizes the importance of regular screening for individuals at risk.
The Road to Recovery: Surgical Approaches
Once a diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer is confirmed, the next step is determining the best course of treatment. For stage II and stage III colon cancer, surgery is often the primary treatment.
The goal of surgery is to remove the cancer completely. This includes not just the tumor itself but also a surrounding margin of healthy tissue and the lymph nodes near the cancer.
In colon cancer surgery, a ‘healthy margin’ is typically 10 centimeters of tissue on either side of the tumor.
Ensuring this margin is crucial as it significantly reduces the chance of leaving behind any cancerous cells, thus offering the patient the best possible chance of a full recovery.
A vital part of the surgery is also vascular ligation.This involves the removal of blood vessels that supply the tumor, essentially cutting off its nutrient supply.
Lymph nodes around the colon, potential sites of metastasis, also need to be extracted as part of the surgical procedure, further decreasing the chance of cancer spread.
Advancements in Surgical Techniques
Traditional open surgery, where a large incision is made to remove the cancerous tumor, has been the cornerstone of colorectal cancer treatment for many years.
However, technological advancements have paved the way for minimally invasive surgical techniques.
These techniques primarily include laparoscopic surgery and robotic surgery. In both procedures, small incisions are made through which surgical instruments and a camera are inserted.
The surgeon then visualizes the surgical field on a high-definition monitor, enabling precise, targeted surgery.
Discover the future of surgery with Dr. Aditya Kulkarni at Oasis Clinic, Pune. Laparoscopic surgery offers less postoperative pain, faster recovery, shorter hospital stays, and improved cosmetic results.
Dr. Kulkarni’s expertise ensures you receive the best care for optimal outcomes. Choose Oasis Clinic for advanced laparoscopic procedures prioritizing your comfort and recovery.
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Wrapping up
Treatment of colorectal cancer is a complex process that requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach. It demands a collaborative effort between healthcare professionals and patients.
The advancements in minimally invasive surgical techniques have revolutionized colorectal cancer treatment, providing patients with more effective and less traumatic surgical options.
As technology continues to advance, we can hope for even better outcomes for patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
Dr. Aditya Kulkarni
MS, DNB, FRCS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology & GI Oncology)
Dr. Aditya Kulkarni is a Consultant of Laparoscopic and Robotic Gastrointestinal, Hepato-biliary-pancreatic, and Cancer Surgeon at the Renowned Oasis Surgery Clinic Pune.
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