6. Colostomy
A colostomy is a surgical procedure in which an opening, called a stoma, is created in the abdominal wall. The end of the colon, also called the stoma, is brought through the opening. Then waste is collected in a bag outside the body.
This procedure is used to treat colon cancer when the tumor is blocking the rectum or if the entire colon needs to be removed.
5. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs are usually given intravenously, but can also be given orally.
The specific drugs used and the schedule will depend on the stage of cancer, the patient’s overall health, and other factors. Chemotherapy can have side effects such as hair loss, nausea, and fatigue, but these can often be managed with medication.
4. Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy, which is also called radiotherapy, is a way to treat cancer by killing cancer cells with high-energy rays. Radiation therapy is usually given externally, using a machine called a linear accelerator to deliver the radiation to the tumor. It can also be given internally via brachytherapy.
The specific treatment plan will depend on the stage of cancer, the location of the tumor, the patient’s overall health, and other factors. Radiation therapy can cause side effects such as fatigue, skin irritation, and diarrhea, but these can usually be managed with medication.
3. Targeted Drug Therapy
Targeted drug therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to target specific molecules or pathways involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.
These drugs include monoclonal antibodies, angiogenesis inhibitors, and receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The specific drugs used and the schedule will depend on the stage of cancer, the patient’s overall health, and other factors.
2. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy works by using drugs that help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. These drugs are called checkpoint inhibitors. Examples of these are PD-1 inhibitors and CTLA-4 inhibitors.
They work by blocking certain proteins on the surface of cancer cells that help them evade the immune system. By blocking these proteins, the immune system can better recognize and attack cancer cells.
1. Supportive (Palliative) Care
Supportive or palliative care is a type of care that aims to improve the quality of life of patients with cancer and their families. It can be used in conjunction with other treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy to help manage the symptoms and side effects of colon cancer.
It includes a wide range of services and treatments, such as pain management, symptom management, nutrition support, psychological and emotional support, and hospice care.
It can be used in conjunction with other treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy to help manage the symptoms and side effects of colon cancer.
These are colon cancer symptoms and treatments worth knowing about.