Understanding Colorectal Cancer Treatment

Colorectal cancer, which includes cancers of the colon and rectum, is one of the most common types of cancer, but it’s also highly treatable when detected early by a colonoscopy in Melbourne. Thanks to advancements in medical research, there are now multiple treatment options that offer promising outcomes, even in cases where the cancer has spread. Here’s a helpful overview from a leading female surgeon and colorectal surgeon in Melbourne on how colorectal cancer is treated, from early-stage interventions to more advanced surgical options, to help you understand what to expect.

Diagnosing Colorectal Cancer: The First Step to Treatment

The journey to treating colorectal cancer starts with an accurate diagnosis, usually confirmed through your colonoscopy in Melbourne. During a colonoscopy, any suspicious growths or polyps are removed and biopsied to determine if they are cancerous. Additional tests, such as CT or MRI scans, may also be ordered to assess whether the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

Once diagnosed, colorectal cancer is classified into stages, ranging from Stage 0 (where cancer cells are only in the innermost layer of the colon) to Stage IV (where cancer has spread to distant organs). The stage of the cancer plays a significant role in determining the most effective treatment approach.

Treatment Options for Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer treatment typically involves one or a combination of the following therapies: surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and, in some cases, targeted therapies. Let’s explore each of these options in more detail.

1. Surgery: The Primary Treatment for Localised Cancer

Surgery is often the first line of treatment, especially if the cancer is localised within the colon or rectum and hasn’t spread to distant organs. There are several surgical approaches for removing colorectal cancer that your colorectal surgeon in Melbourne may use:

 

• Polypectomy and Local Excision: For very early-stage cancers confined to small colon polyps, a polypectomy or local excision during a colonoscopy may be enough to remove the cancer completely. This is a minimally invasive procedure where the surgeon removes the polyp containing cancer cells.

 

• Partial Colectomy: In cases where the cancer has grown deeper into the colon wall, a partial colectomy may be necessary. This procedure involves removing the cancerous section of the colon along with surrounding healthy tissue to ensure all cancer cells are removed. The remaining sections of the colon are then reconnected to maintain normal digestive function.

 

• Total Colectomy: In rarer cases, a total colectomy may be required if the cancer has spread extensively within the colon. This surgery involves removing the entire colon, and an alternative way for waste to leave the body is established, usually through an ileostomy (where the end of the small intestine is attached to an opening in the abdomen).

 

• Low Anterior Resection and Abdominoperineal Resection: For rectal cancers, different surgeries are required depending on the location of the tumour. Low anterior resection (LAR) is used for cancers in the upper part of the rectum, allowing the rectum to be preserved. Abdominoperineal resection (APR) is used for cancers in the lower rectum and involves the removal of both the rectum and anus, resulting in a permanent colostomy.

 

2. Radiation Therapy: Shrinking Tumours and Killing Cancer Cells

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells. This treatment is commonly used for rectal cancer, either before surgery to shrink the tumour and make it easier to remove or after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. Radiation can also be helpful in managing pain and symptoms if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Radiation is often combined with chemotherapy in a process known as chemoradiation. The combination has shown to be effective in reducing the risk of cancer recurrence, especially in locally advanced rectal cancers.

3. Chemotherapy: Treating Cancer Cells Throughout the Body

Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs that travel through the bloodstream to target cancer cells. It’s commonly used for advanced colorectal cancer that has spread beyond the colon or rectum. For early-stage cancers, chemotherapy may be administered after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence by targeting any remaining cancer cells that couldn’t be removed surgically.

Common chemotherapy drugs used for colorectal cancer include fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. Chemotherapy is often administered in cycles, with each cycle followed by a recovery period. Side effects can vary, but they often include fatigue, nausea, and an increased risk of infection.

4. Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy: Advanced Options for Advanced Cancer

For patients with advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer, targeted therapy and immunotherapy offer additional treatment options. Targeted therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies, specifically attack cancer cells with certain genetic mutations, sparing healthy cells. Examples include bevacisumab, which targets blood vessels that feed the tumour, and cetuximab, which targets specific receptors on cancer cells.

Immunotherapy, which boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer, has shown promise in some cases of colorectal cancer, particularly those with specific genetic mutations (like MSI-high). However, immunotherapy isn’t effective for all colorectal cancers, so genetic testing is often done to determine if a patient is a suitable candidate.

The Importance of Regular Follow-Ups

After treatment, regular follow-ups are crucial to monitor for any signs of recurrence. Follow-ups often involve periodic colonoscopies by your male or female surgeon, blood tests, and imaging studies to catch any new or recurring cancers early.

Get Expert Treatment and Your Annual Colonoscopy in Melbourne today

As you can see, colorectal cancer treatment is a multi-faceted approach that depends on the cancer’s stage, location, and specific characteristics. From surgery to chemotherapy, each treatment option plays a critical role in managing and, in many cases, curing colorectal cancer. If you are concerned about colorectal cancer, getting your colonoscopy in Melbourne is an essential first step. Advice from a male or female surgeon can provide you with a personalised treatment plan designed for the best possible outcome. Contact a leading colorectal surgeon in Melbourne today.