Archive for May, 2009

Chemotherapy Colon Cancer

Tuesday, May 5th, 2009


Colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer. The big intestine is affected by the cancer. Generally this type of cancer affects as you age. It is common to find patients affected by colon cancer between the age group of 60 to 70. Though there are patients who are much younger suffering from colon cancer.

Once the diagnosis is done the doctors start treatment for the cancer. There are different options of treatment available. The treatment mainly depends on how advanced the cancer is.

Colon cancer chemo is one of the options available. Our body cells grow and die as a natural cycle. But when they start multiplying without any order or control cancer occurs. If they break away from the original position they can spread all over the body.
Chemotherapy in colon cancer tries and destroys the cancerous cells.

Use of chemotherapy in colon cancer may produce side effects as the normal cells also are damaged with cancerous cells. So while undergoing chemotherapy in colon cancer it is very important to take care of the health. A lot of rest and balanced food is required. Since the immune system is at its low it is best to avoid public places where there is a chance of catching some kind of infection.

Chemotherapy is used to achieve different goals. It can be used to cure cancer or control it or to relieve the symptoms of cancer. If the pain is relieved then the quality of the life of a patient’s life improves.

If chemotherapy is used before the surgery to shrink the size of the tumor it is called neo-adjuvant therapy. Chemotherapy given after the surgery is called adjuvant chemotherapy. If any other therapy is used such as radiation or biological therapy for the patient, chemotherapy helps in getting better results.

Chemotherapy uses one or more cancer drugs to cure the cancer. What drugs will be used by the doctor depends on the type of cancer and what stage and the location of the cancer in the body.

In order to beat the cancer, and help get better results from colon cancer chemo you need to take care of yourself. You need to build up strength by eating right foods. You need to talk about the anger, frustration sadness or fear you may be feeling. This will surely help you in taking control over your body.

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Stage IV Colon Cancer

Tuesday, May 5th, 2009


The colon is a part of our digestive system. It is also called the big intestine. When the cells in this part of the body start to multiply without and control or order it is develops in cancer. The treatment of colon cancer depends on the stage of the cancer. In other words how far the cancer has spread decides what treatment is given. Stage IV colon cancer is the last stage of the cancer.

Several tests are conducted to decide at what stage the cancer is. If the cancer is found in the lining of the colon then the stage is called stage I. If the cancer cells are found in the abdominal cavity or near other organs but they have not penetrated in the organs then it is stage II colon cancer. At stage III the cancer invades one or more lymph nodes but not distant organs. When the cancer spreads to distant organs such as the liver or the lungs then it is called stage IV colon cancer.

Stage IV colon cancer has two types. One of the types is where the cancer is spread through out the body and affected many organs so that it becomes impossible to treat it surgically. The other type is when the cancer is spread to distant organs in the body but it is confined to one site or organ.

The spread of the cancer to different organs is also called metastatic cancer. If the metastasis is found in a single organ the patient may benefit from a localized treatment for the cancer. But if the cancer has invaded many more organs then treating the patients become that much difficult.

Stage IV colon cancer may be treated combining one or more treatments such as Chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, or targeted therapy. It is important to consider the patient’s age and the spread of cancer when deciding the treatment techniques to be used. Sometimes very aggressive treatment is not advisable. The focus is to treat the cancer and increase the chances of survival of the patient.

For stage IV colon cancer patient the survival period is five years. With change in life style and reducing risk factors some patients may beat the five year survival period. Each patient is unique. So the physician takes into consideration all the factors and then starts the treatment. Even if the cancer is not treatable, the treatment may be given to increase comfort level of the patient.

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Colorectal Cancer Treatment

Tuesday, May 5th, 2009


Colorectal cancer is also referred as colon cancer. Colon is a part of our digestive system. It is also called the big intestine. The first 6 feet part of the intestine is called the colon and the last 8 to 10 inches of the intestine is called the rectum. Cancer in this part of the body is called colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer treatment depends on the stage of the cancer. There are many tests that can determine at what stage has the cancer reached. The tests performed to determine the spread of the cancer may include CT scan, MRI, colonoscopy, stool analysis, blood test etc.

Colorectal cancer treatment varies with the stage of the cancer. Generally surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and biological therapy these are the options available as a colorectal cancer treatment. Sometimes the treatment used as a combination to get best results possible.

If the colon cancer is detected at early stage and if it has not spread to other parts of the body it may be removed surgically and with medication and radiation the patient may lead a normal life. If the cancer is found at the second stage then surgery and chemotherapy is required. The doctors give chemotherapy to kill cancerous cells in the body. In this process many healthy cells also get damaged. This is the side effect the patient has to suffer.

To minimize the danger while on chemotherapy the patient should eat properly to build some strength and avoid going in public places where it is possible to catch infection. As body’s immune system is low it is advisable to take rest at home as much as possible.
If the cancer has reached stage IV then the physician may look at all available and possible treatment options. Stage IV means the cancer has affected many more parts of the body.

Colorectal cancer treatment at this stage is rather tricky as it is not possible to remove the cancer surgically so he may go in for chemotherapy and radiation. Other factors influencing the colorectal cancer treatment are the age of the patient and the general health of the patient. If the patient is old and the general health is not good then aggressive treatment may not work. In that case the doctor recommends a treatment where the patient will get some relief from the symptoms and he can be able to lead his life in as much comfort as possible.

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