There are different stages of colon cancer. These stages 0, I, II, and III are usually often curable with surgery. Most people with stage III colon cancer, and those with stage II, are undergoing chemotherapy after surgery to increase the chance of eliminating cancer. Patients with rectal cancer in stage II and III can also undergo chemotherapy radiation therapy, either before or after surgery. Stage IV is not always curable, but it is treatable and can control cancer growth and disease symptoms.
1. Stage 0 colon cancer: The most often treatment in this stage is polypectomy. It is the removal of a polyp during the colonoscopy. There is no alternative or additional surgery unless the polyp is removed completely
2. Stage I colon cancer: Surgical removal of the tumor and lymph nodes is the most often treatment needed.
3. Stage II colon cancer: The first choice of treatment at this stage is surgery. Patients with stage II colon cancer should discuss with their doctor whether there is a need for further care after surgery as certain patients receive adjuvant chemotherapy. Adjuvant chemotherapy is post-operative treatment to attempt to destroy any cancer cells remaining. However, the cure levels are relatively high with surgery alone, and there are few advantages of adjuvant care for patients with this stage of colon cancer.
4. Stage III colon cancer: At this stage, treatment involves surgical removal of the tumor followed by adjuvant chemotherapy.
5. Metastatic (stage IV) colon cancer: When cancer spreads from where it originated to another part of the body it is called metastatic cancer. Colon cancer may spread to other distant organs, such as the liver, lungs, peritoneum lining the abdomen, or ovaries of a woman. Doctors can have different opinions on the best standard treatment plan. The treatment options may involve a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy which can be used to delay disease progression and also shrink a cancerous tumor temporarily. Furthermore, palliative care will be necessary to help relieve symptoms and side effects.
At this stage, surgery cannot cure cancer, but it can help relieve the blockage of the colon or other problems related to cancer. There is a possibility of a complete cure if colon cancer has only spread into the liver and if surgery is necessary before and after chemotherapy. Also, if cancer cannot be cured, surgery can be of great help to add months or even years to the life of a patient.