When the tumor is removed, the pathologist looks at the tissue under the microscope to determine whether there is any microscopic spread of disease. The pathology report often helps us make recommendations for further therapy such as radiation or chemotherapy. For the most part, initially colon and rectal cancer are treated surgically. On occasion, rectal cancer is treated preoperatively with radiation therapy and chemotherapy but still needs to have surgical treatment. Depending upon the findings at surgery, and depending upon the analysis of the final pathology report, other therapy in the form of chemotherapy or occasionally radiation therapy is recommended.
Colon cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States.
The best way to treat colon cancer is to prevent it. Careful screening and the removal of colon polyps can go a long way in preventing colon cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that individuals undergo a screening colonoscopy beginning at age 50. Our treatments for cancer can range from polyp removal during colonoscopy to surgical resection. For more advanced cases, patients may require radiation therapy or chemotherapy.