Colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer among adults. A diagnosis of this scary disease may frustrate you, but there is always a reason to remain optimistic. Dr. Peter K. Hon is a highly experienced specialist who offers several types of colon and rectal cancer surgeries with minimal or no complications.
What should you know about colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer develops due to an abnormality or overgrowth in the cells in your rectum or colon. This disorder rarely causes any symptoms in the early stages, making it vital to have routine cancer screenings for early detection and treatment. In most cases, colorectal cancer stems from precancerous polyps, which undergo mutations, resulting in this devastating disease.
While colon and rectal cancer may have numerous similarities, they require different treatment approaches. Your rectum is located close to your other organs in a tight space, making rectal surgery more complex than colon surgery. In the past decades, recovering from rectal cancer was almost impossible, but due to advancements in medical technology, the survival rates of rectal cancer patients are gradually increasing.
What forms of colon cancer can you develop?
You may be surprised to find out that there are several types of colon cancer, each with unique symptoms requiring different treatment approaches. Your digestive tract may have Non-cancerous cells that are not harmful and cells that trigger the development of colon cancer. Your treatment approach primarily relies on the stage of your colon cancer. The Colon and Rectal Cancer Specialist team offers several treatment approaches for different types of colon cancer, including:
- Partial colectomy
If your tumor is located in the deeper part of your colon, your provider may recommend partial colectomy to eliminate the mass and the damaged part of your colon. Afterward, your specialist attaches the healthy colon to your rectum to restore normal bowel function.
- Polypectomy
If the team detects colon cancer while in its early stages, they may recommend polypectomy to eliminate the polyps, preventing cancer progression.
- Total colectomy
During this surgery, your provider removes the whole colon. The specialists may only recommend this approach if you have additional gastrointestinal issues, including multiple polyps and inflammatory bowel disease.
From which rectal cancer surgeries can you benefit?
Your treatment relies on your symptoms and the stage of cancer. Rectal cancer is more complex because it is a small organ close to other body parts. Some of the treatment approaches The Colon and Rectal Cancer Specialist experts offer include:
- Transanal excision
During this procedure, your provider creates a hole in your recta tissues to access the cancerous tumor and the damaged tissues.
- Low anterior resection (LAR)
In this surgery, your surgeon gets rid of the affected part of your rectum and attaches the remaining portion to your healthy colon.
- Proctectomy
Proctectomy involves the removal of the entire rectum and attachment of the healthy colon to your anus.
Call the Colon and Rectal Cancer Specialist or book your spot online to explore more about colon and rectal cancer and its treatments.