Treatments for Colorectal cancer
Treatments for Colorectal cancer
The list of treatments mentioned in various sources
for Colorectal cancer
includes the following list.
Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment
or change in treatment plans.
Colorectal cancer: Is the Diagnosis Correct?
The first step in getting correct treatment is
to get a correct diagnosis.
Differential diagnosis list for Colorectal cancer may include:
Hidden causes of Colorectal cancer may be incorrectly diagnosed:
Colorectal cancer: Marketplace Products, Discounts & Offers
Products, offers and promotion categories available for Colorectal cancer:
Curable Types of Colorectal cancer
Possibly curable types of Colorectal cancer may include:
- Duke stage A, B, C colon cancer
- Colonic polyps induced colon cancer
- Alcohol consumption induced colon cancer
- Red meat and processed meat induced colon cancer
- more curable types...»
Colorectal cancer: Research Doctors & Specialists
Research all specialists including ratings, affiliations, and sanctions.
Drugs and Medications used to treat Colorectal cancer:
Note:You must always seek professional medical advice about any prescription drug, OTC drug, medication, treatment
or change in treatment plans.
Some of the different medications used in the treatment of Colorectal cancer include:
Unlabeled Drugs and Medications to treat Colorectal cancer:
Unlabelled alternative drug treatments for Colorectal cancer include:
Latest treatments for Colorectal cancer:
The following are some of the latest treatments for Colorectal cancer:
Hospital statistics for Colorectal cancer:
These medical statistics relate to hospitals, hospitalization and Colorectal cancer:
- 0.75% (95,420) of hospital consultant episodes were for malignant neoplasm of colon in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 92% of hospital consultant episodes for malignant neoplasm of colon required hospital admission in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 55% of hospital consultant episodes for malignant neoplasm of colon were for men in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 45% of hospital consultant episodes for malignant neoplasm of colon were for women in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 10% of hospital consultant episodes for malignant neoplasm of colon required emergency hospital admission in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- more hospital information...»
Hospitals & Medical Clinics: Colorectal cancer
Research quality ratings and patient incidents/safety measures
for hospitals and medical facilities in specialties related to Colorectal cancer:
Hospital & Clinic quality ratings » »
Choosing the Best Treatment Hospital:
More general information, not necessarily in relation to Colorectal cancer,
on hospital and medical facility performance and surgical care quality:
Medical news summaries about treatments for Colorectal cancer:
The following medical news items
are relevant to treatment of Colorectal cancer:
Discussion of treatments for Colorectal cancer:
Colorectal Cancer: NWHIC (Excerpt)
Treatment for colorectal cancer depends mostly on the size, location,
and extent of the tumor, as well as a person's overall health. Surgery to
remove the tumor is the most common treatment for colorectal cancer.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may also be used to kill cancer cells.
With new surgical techniques, treatment rarely requires a
colostomy (an opening into a "bag" for passage of bowel
movements). There is research being done to look at new ways to treat
colon cancer. (Source: excerpt from Colorectal Cancer: NWHIC)
What You Need To Know About Cancer of the Colon and Rectum: NCI (Excerpt)
Treatment depends mainly on the size, location, and extent
of the tumor, and on the patient's general health. Patients
are often treated by a team of specialists, which may include
a gastroenterologist ,
surgeon, medical
oncologist , and radiation
oncologist . Several different types of treatment are
used to treat colorectal cancer. Sometimes different
treatments are combined.
-
Surgery to remove the tumor is the most common
treatment for colorectal cancer. Generally, the surgeon
removes the tumor along with part of the healthy colon or
rectum and nearby lymph nodes. In most cases, the doctor is
able to reconnect the healthy portions of the colon or
rectum. When the surgeon cannot reconnect the healthy
portions, a temporary or permanent colostomy
is necessary. Colostomy, a surgical opening (stoma )
through the wall of the abdomen
into the colon, provides a new path for waste material to
leave the body. After a colostomy, the patient wears a
special bag to collect body waste. Some patients need a
temporary colostomy to allow the lower colon or rectum to
heal after surgery. About 15 percent of colorectal cancer
patients require a permanent colostomy.
-
Chemotherapy
is the use of anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells.
Chemotherapy may be given to destroy any cancerous cells
that may remain in the body after surgery, to control tumor
growth, or to relieve symptoms of the disease. Chemotherapy
is a systemic
therapy , meaning that the drugs enter the
bloodstream and travel through the body. Most anticancer
drugs are given by injection directly into a vein (IV )
or by means of a catheter ,
a thin tube that is placed into a large vein and remains
there as long as it is needed. Some anticancer drugs are
given in the form of a pill.
-
Radiation
therapy , also called radiotherapy, involves the
use of high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. Radiation
therapy is a local
therapy , meaning that it affects the cancer cells
only in the treated area. Most often it is used in patients
whose cancer is in the rectum. Doctors may use radiation
therapy before surgery (to shrink a tumor so that it is
easier to remove) or after surgery (to destroy any cancer
cells that remain in the treated area). Radiation therapy is
also used to relieve symptoms. The radiation may come from a
machine (external
radiation ) or from an implant (a small container of
radioactive material) placed directly into or near the tumor
(internal
radiation ). Some patients have both kinds of
radiation therapy.
-
Biological
therapy , also called immunotherapy, uses the
body's immune system to fight cancer. The immune system
finds cancer cells in the body and works to destroy them.
Biological therapies are used to repair, stimulate, or
enhance the immune system's natural anticancer function.
Biological therapy may be given after surgery, either alone
or in combination with chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
Most biological treatments are given by injection into a
vein (IV).
-
Clinical
trials (research studies) to evaluate new ways
to treat cancer are an appropriate option for many patients
with colorectal cancer. In some studies, all patients
receive the new treatment. In others, doctors compare
different therapies by giving the promising new treatment to
one group of patients and the usual (standard) therapy to
another group.
(Source: excerpt from
What You Need To Know About Cancer of the Colon and Rectum: NCI)
Buy Products Related to Treatments for Colorectal cancer
Book Excerpts: Treatment of Colorectal cancer
Treatments of Colorectal cancer: Online Medical Books
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE!
Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration,
for more information about the treatments of Colorectal cancer.
Rectal Pain:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Acute anal fissure: 90% heal within 3–4 weeks with conservative management (increased fiber and water intake, stool softeners, Sitz bath, topical corticosteroids)
-
Chronic anal fissure: Only 40% heal with conservative treatment; sphincterotomy (<5% risk of significant incontinence) is the treatment of choice
-
Perianal abscess: Requires incision and drainage followed by packing and Sitz baths until healed
-
Levator ani syndrome: Decrease anal canal pressure by digital massage (3–4/week), Sitz baths, muscle relaxants
-
Proctalgia fugax: Self-limited, infrequent brief attacks; primary treatment is reassurance; treat any underlying psychological disorders
-
Coccyodynia: Warm Sitz baths, analgesics, and corticosteroid injections; coccygectomy may be indicated in rare cases
-
Thrombosed hemorrhoid: Incision and drainage or surgical excision
>>
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Rectal Masses:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
- Rectal and anal cancers are treated by surgical resection (with sphincter preservation), radiation, and/or chemotherapy
- Hemorrhoid treatment is initially conservative: High-fiber diet, appropriate anal hygiene, Sitz baths, and topical steroids
–Surgical options include rubber band ligation of internal hemorrhoids or surgical resection for large refractory hemorrhoids
–Acute thrombosis of a hemorrhoid may require incision and drainage
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Colorectal cancer:
Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
The most effective treatment of colorectal cancer is surgery to remove the malignant tumor and adjacent tissues and any lymph nodes that may contain cancer cells. The type of surgery depends on the location of the tumor:
❑Cecum and ascending colon — right hemicolectomy (for advanced disease) may include resection of the terminal segment of the ileum, cecum, ascending colon, and right half of the transverse colon with corresponding mesentery
❑ Proximal and middle transverse colon — right colectomy to include transverse colon and mesentery corresponding to midcolic vessels, or segmental resection of transverse colon and associated midcolic vessels
❑ Sigmoid colon — surgery is usually limited to sigmoid colon and mesentery
❑ Upper rectum — anterior or low anterior resection (newer method, using a stapler, allows for resections much lower than were previously possible)
❑ Lower rectum — abdominoperineal resection and permanent sigmoid colostomy.
Chemotherapy is indicated for patients with metastasis, residual disease, or a recurrent inoperable tumor. Drugs used in such treatment commonly include fluorouracil with leucovorin, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin.
Radiation therapy induces tumor regression and may be used before or after surgery or combined with chemotherapy, especially fluorouracil.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Malignant spinal neoplasms:
Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
Treatment of spinal cord tumors generally includes decompression or radiation. Laminectomy is indicated for primary tumors that produce spinal cord or cauda equina compression; it isn't usually indicated for metastatic tumors. If the tumor is slowly progressive or if it's treated before the cord degenerates from compression, symptoms are likely to disappear, and complete restoration of function is possible. In a patient with metastatic carcinoma or lymphoma who suddenly experiences complete transverse myelitis with spinal shock, functional improvement is unlikely, even with treatment, and his outlook is ominous. If the patient has incomplete paraplegia of rapid onset, emergency surgical decompression may save cord function. Steroid therapy with dexamethasone minimizes cord edema and temporarily relieves symptoms until surgery can be performed. Partial removal of intramedullary gliomas, followed by radiation, may alleviate symptoms for a short time. Metastatic extradural tumors can be controlled with radiation, analgesics and, in the case of hormone-mediated tumors (breast and prostate), appropriate hormone therapy. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) may control radicular pain from spinal cord tumors and is a useful alternative to opioid analgesics. In TENS, an electrical charge is applied to the skin to stimulate large-diameter nerve fibers and thereby inhibit transmission of pain impulses through small-diameter nerve fibers. Chemotherapy generally hasn't proven effective against most spinal tumors, but may be recommended in some cases.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Inactive colon:
Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
Treatment varies according to the patient’s age and condition. A higher-bulk diet, sufficient exercise, and increased fluid intake commonly relieve constipation. Treatment for severe constipation may include bulk-forming laxatives, such as psyllium, or well-lubricated glycerin suppositories; for fecal impaction, manual removal of feces is necessary. Administration of an oilretention enema usually precedes removal; an enema is also necessary afterward. For lasting relief from constipation, the patient with inactive colon must modify bowel habits.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Rectal polyps:
Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
Treatment varies according to the type and size of the polyps and their location in the colon. Common polypoid adenomas less than 1 cm require polypectomy, usually by fulguration (destruction by high-frequency electricity) during endoscopy. For common polypoid adenomas over 4 cm and all invasive villous adenomas, treatment usually consists of abdominoperineal resection or low anterior resection.
Focal polypoid hyperplasia can be obliterated by biopsy. Depending on GI involvement, hereditary polyps necessitate total abdominoperineal resection with a permanent ileostomy, subtotal colectomy with ileoproctostomy, or ileoanal anastomosis. Juvenile polyps are prone to autoamputation; if this doesn’t occur, snare removal during colonoscopy is the treatment of choice.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Rectal pain:
Patient counseling
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
Teach the patient how to apply hot, moist compresses. Teach him how to give himself a sitz bath; this will ease his discomfort by helping to relieve the sphincter spasm associated with most anorectal disorders. Stress the importance of following a proper diet and drinking plenty of fluids to maintain soft stools and thus avoid aggravating pain during defecation.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Colorectal cancer:
Treatment
(Handbook of Diseases)
The most effective treatment for colorectal cancer is surgery to remove the malignant tumor and adjacent tissues as well as any lymph nodes that may contain cancer cells. The type of surgery depends on the location of the tumor:
❑ Cecum and ascending colon: A right hemicolectomy (for advanced disease) is performed. It may include resection of the terminal segment of the ileum, cecum, ascending colon, and the right half of the transverse colon with corresponding mesentery.
❑ Proximal and middle transverse colon: A right colectomy is performed that includes the transverse colon and mesentery corresponding to midcolic vessels or segmental resection of the transverse colon and associated midcolic vessels.
❑ Sigmoid colon: Surgery is typically limited to the sigmoid colon and mesentery.
❑ Upper rectum: Anterior or low anterior resection is performed. A newer method, using a stapler, allows for resections much lower than were previously possible.
❑ Lower rectum: Abdominoperineal resection and permanent sigmoid colostomy is performed.
Chemotherapy is indicated for patients with metastasis, residual disease, or a recurrent inoperable tumor. Drugs used in such treatment commonly include fluorouracil with levamisole, leucovorin, methotrexate, or streptozocin. Patients whose tumor has extended to regional lymph nodes may receive fluorouracil and levamisole for 1 year postoperatively.
Radiation therapy induces tumor regression and may be used before or after surgery or combined with chemotherapy, especially fluorouracil.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
Rectal pain:
Patient counseling
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Teach the patient how to apply hot, moist compresses. Also teach him how to give himself a sitz bath; this will ease his discomfort by helping to relieve the sphincter spasm associated with most anorectal disorders. Stress the importance of following a proper diet and drinking plenty of fluids to maintain soft stools and thus avoid aggravating pain during defecation.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Rectal pain:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Apply analgesic ointment or suppositories.
▪ Administer a stool softener if needed.
▪ If the rectal pain results from prolapsed hemorrhoids, apply cold compresses to help shrink protruding hemorrhoids, prevent thrombosis, and reduce pain.
▪ If the patient's condition permits, place him in Trendelenburg's position with his buttocks elevated to further relieve pain.
▪ Prepare the patient for an anoscopic examination and proctosigmoidoscopy to determine the cause of the rectal pain, if indicated.
▪ Because the patient may feel embarrassed, provide emotional support and as much privacy as possible.
Patient teaching
▪ Explain the disorder and treatment plan.
▪ Instruct the patient on measures to ease discomfort.
▪ Discuss proper diet and fluid intake.
▪ Explain the use of stool softeners.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
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